Meningococcal Meningitis: What You Need to Know (w/ Online Quiz)

Meningococcal meningitis is a serious bacterial infection of the membranes that cover the brain, caused by Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, nausea, and a stiff neck.

Meningococcal meningitis is more common during the winter and spring and mainly affects children and older adults, although it can occur at any age. The infection can spread quickly and may cause severe complications, including brain damage and other long-term effects.

Meningococcal meningitis is treatable with hospital care and intravenous (IV) antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or cefotaxime, often combined with other medications. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce the risk of serious complications and improve outcomes.

Main symptoms

The most common symptoms of meningococcal meningitis include:

• High fever above 100.4°F (38°C)

• Severe headache

• Nausea and vomiting

• Stiff neck with difficulty bending the neck

• Drowsiness and excessive fatigue

• Joint pain

• Sensitivity to light and noise

• Purple spots on the skin

In babies, meningococcal meningitis may also cause symptoms such as a bulging soft spot (fontanelle), irritability, intense crying, body stiffness, and seizures. 

Meningococcal meningitis is a medical emergency, and according to the CDC, symptoms can worsen quickly and may become deadly within hours, requiring immediate medical care.

It can be harder to identify the cause of persistent crying in infants, so it is important to consult a pediatrician, especially if symptoms occur with fever or changes in the fontanelle.

Online symptom test

To determine your risk for meningitis, enter your symptoms below:

Please note that this is a guidance tool and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. You are encouraged to speak to your doctor about your symptoms.

Confirming a diagnosis

Meningococcal meningitis is diagnosed by a primary care provider, neurologist, or infectious disease specialist based on symptoms, especially the presence of neck stiffness.

To confirm the diagnosis, a doctor may order tests such as blood and urine tests, as well as a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis obtained through a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). This test helps identify whether bacteria are present in the spinal fluid.

Possible causes

Meningococcal meningitis is caused by infection of the meninges due to the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.

In most cases, the bacteria first infect other parts of the body, such as the skin, intestines, or lungs, and then spread to the brain, where they cause inflammation of the meninges.

In rarer cases, the bacteria can reach the brain directly, especially after severe head trauma, such as from a car accident or brain surgery.

Treatment options

Treatment for meningococcal meningitis is given in the hospital under close medical supervision to clear the infection and prevent complications. It usually includes intravenous antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or cefotaxime, often with vancomycin, and ampicillin may be added for adults over 50.

In more severe cases, supportive measures such as intubation may be needed, especially if there are breathing problems, seizures that do not improve with treatment, or increased pressure in the brain.

During treatment, visitors should wear protective masks, as meningococcal meningitis can spread through respiratory secretions. However, strict isolation is usually not required.

Prevention measures

According to the CDC, the best way to prevent meningococcal disease is through vaccination. In the US, meningococcal vaccines are routinely recommended for adolescents, with additional doses given earlier for children at increased risk.

Additional preventive measures include:

• Avoid crowded places

• Keep indoor spaces well ventilated

• Avoid poorly ventilated or enclosed areas

• Maintain good personal hygiene

People who have had close contact with someone infected should consult a healthcare provider to evaluate the need for preventive antibiotics.

Possible complications

Because meningitis affects the brain’s protective membranes, there is a high risk of complications such as:

• Vision or hearing loss

• Severe brain damage

• Learning difficulties

• Muscle paralysis

• Heart problems

Complications are more likely when treatment is delayed or not done properly.