Meningococcal Disease is a serious disease caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. Fortunately, these bacteria are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or flu. People do not catch the bacteria through casual contact or by breathing air where someone with meningococcal disease has been. It requires close contact over a period of time, or direct contact such as kissing or sharing drinks.
Symptoms
Early symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, confusion, and rash. Anyone who has been exposed or develops symptoms should be evaluated by a health care provider immediately. This is a rare but potentially devastating disease. However, it can be prevented and treated.
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (DOH-Escambia) offers meningococcal vaccines. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 850-595-6554.
Prevention
Maintaining healthy habits, like getting plenty of rest and not coming into close contact with people who are sick, and immunizations.
Meningococcal vaccines protect against most types of meningococcal disease, although they do not prevent all cases. There are two kinds of vaccines for meningococcal disease available in the U.S., meningococcal polysaccharide and meningococcal conjugate.