Contents
Describe epidemiology of meningococcal serogroups C disease
What, why and when are the changes happening Which vaccines are recommended? Useful resources
What is Meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease occurs as a result of an invasive bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis
Transmission is by aerosol, droplets or direct contact and usually requires frequent or prolonged close contact
Incubation period 2 – 7 days Meningococcal infection most commonly presents as either
meningitis or septicaemia, or a combination of both There are 12 serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis In the UK serogroups B is currently the most common, less
common include serogroups C.
Clinical presentation of meningococcal infection
Babies and toddlersBabies and toddlers Children and young adultsChildren and young adults
Fever with poor peripheral perfusion Fever with poor peripheral perfusion
Poor feeding, refusing food or vomiting Vomiting
Tense, bulging fontanelle and photophobia Severe headache and photophobia
Fretful, unusual cry, moaning or rapid breathing
Confusion and irritability
Neck stiffness Neck stiffness and muscle pain
Pale blotchy complexion and/or non blanching rash
Pale blotchy complexion and/or non blanching rash
Drowsy and loss of consciousness Drowsy and loss of consciousness
Symptoms can appear in any order, some may not appear at allSymptoms can appear in any order, some may not appear at all
Meningococcal disease:Meningococcal disease: This four-month-old infant has gangrene of her hands and lower extremities as a result of meningococcemia.
with time
