ABOUT MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE
The person(s) depicted are models used for illustrative purposes only.
What is Meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.1-5,8
At least 12 groups of Neisseria meningitidis have been identified, including groups A, B, C, W and Y.4
In New Zealand in 2025, group B was the dominant group among reported cases of invasive meningococcal disease with a known group (26 of 35 cases).8
Why is it serious?
Meningococcal disease can take a life in 24 hours.1-3
A person with meningococcal disease may develop:4
- Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain)
- Septicaemia (blood infection)
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
Even when the disease is identified and treated early, meningococcal disease can be fatal and 1-2 people out of 10 can die.4
One to two people out of every 10 who survive meningococcal disease can have long-term complications such as:4
- Hearing loss
- Brain injury
- Seizures
- Limb amputation
- Extensive skin scarring
ABOUT 1 IN 10 PATIENTS WITH MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE CAN DIE.4
AND UP TO 1 IN 5 CAN SUFFER FROM SERIOUS LONG-TERM COMPLICATIONS, INCLUDING BRAIN INJURY, HEARING LOSS, AND LIMB LOSS.2,4
How is it spread?
The bacteria that cause meningococcal disease can live in the nose and throat.2,3
About 1 in 10 people may carry meningococcal bacteria in their throat without being sick. This number may vary by age and setting, with higher carriage rates reported in teenagers compared to other age groups.3,9
The bacteria can spread through close or prolonged contact, including:3,10
- Coughing and sneezing
- Kissing
- Sharing drinking and eating utensils
COUGHING & SNEEZING
SHARING DRINKS & EATING UTENSILS
SHARING TOOTHBRUSHES
KISSING
Symptoms
Early symptoms of meningococcal disease can be difficult to recognise because they may be similar to flu-like illnesses. Symptoms can progress quickly to severe illness, often within 24 hours.
Symptoms may include:4
FEVER
HEADACHE
NECK STIFFNESS
DISLIKE BRIGHT LIGHTS
NAUSEA AND VOMITING
DROWSINESS
RASH
Infants may have a fever, cry, feed poorly, vomit, be sleepy, dislike bright light or have a rash.4
SEEK URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE.
