Meningitis

Meningococcal Meningitis

What is Meningococcal Meningitis?

Meningococcal meningitis is a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. It affects the protective lining (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The infection can become life-threatening within hours and may cause severe complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, disability, or death if not treated quickly.

How does it spread?

Meningococcal bacteria spread from person to person through respiratory and throat secretions.

You can become infected through:

Close or prolonged contact with an infected person
Coughing or sneezing
Kissing
Sharing drinks, utensils, cigarettes, or vaping devices
Living in the same household or crowded settings

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms may appear suddenly and worsen very quickly.

Common Symptoms

Fever
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Sleepiness or difficulty waking up
Confusion
Red or purple rash or bruising on the skin

Symptoms in Babies

Babies may not show the classic symptoms. Watch for:

Refusing to feed
Unusual or high-pitched crying
Irritability
Vomiting
Being unusually sleepy or inactive
A bulging soft spot on the head (fontanelle)

Who is Most at Risk?

Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but the risk is higher for:

Infants and young children
Teenagers and young adults
People living in crowded conditions
Household contacts of an infected person
People with certain medical conditions that affect the immune system
Smokers and those exposed to second-hand smoke

Prevention

The best protection against meningococcal disease is vaccination. Vaccines provide long-lasting protection against the most common strains that cause meningococcal disease.

You can also reduce your risk by:

Getting immunized
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
Covering coughs and sneezes
Washing your hands regularly
Not sharing drinks, utensils, cigarettes, or vaping devices
Avoiding smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke

Saskatchewan is seeing higher-than-usual activity of meningococcal disease.

Is Your Baby Eligible? Your child may be eligible if they are:

6 weeks to 11 months old
Live in, travel to, or receive visitors from a First Nations community in Saskatchewan or Manitoba

Let your Public Health Nurse know if your child meets these criteria.

Why Is This Important? Meningococcal disease can cause serious illness in babies and young children. Vaccination helps provide earlier protection during this period of increased disease activity. Learn More: Contact your local Health Centre, Public Health Nurse, or healthcare provider for more information. Vaccination helps protect your baby from serious illness.