Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial form of meningitis, a serious infection of the thin lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The extended meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa stretches from Senegal in the West to Ethiopia in the east. Group A meningococcus accounts for the majority of cases of meningococcal meningitis in the meningitis belt.
Person-to-person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from someone infected with N. meningitidis, or their possessions.
Close and prolonged contact such as:
Kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone.
Living in close quarters, such as a dormitory, or sharing eating/drinking utensils with an infected person.
It is believed that 10-20% of the population carry the bacteria in their throat at any given time.
Stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, headaches, vomiting.
Brain damage, blood poisoning, hearing loss, rash, amputation, a learning disability in 10-20% of survivors, death.
Precautions against meningococcal meningitis, including good hygiene measures, safe eating and drinking habits and vaccination, should be considered.
Regular and thorough hand hygiene.
Minimize contact with people showing symptoms of respiratory illness.
Avoid sharing personal items such as eating/drinking utensils and toothbrushes.