Meningococcal disease

Updated: 2017-06-13

Overview

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that affects the brain and spinal cord. It can quickly cause death. It's spread through saliva and other respiratory secretions. Vaccines can help prevent it.

Symptoms

Symptoms may begin like the flu and include sudden fever, nausea, and headache.

Treatments

It requires urgent care with antibiotics.