 Meningococcal
Disease
Meningococcal
Disease Fact Sheet
(PDF 16
KB)
Meningococcal disease is a severe illness caused by the bacteria
Neisseria meningitidis.
This illness can be expressed as either meningitis, an inflammation
of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, or as meningococcemia, a
severe infection that results when the bacteria invade and infect the
bloodstream.
Meningococcal disease occurs rarely and sporadically throughout the
year, although more cases tend to occur in late winter and early spring.
Because meningococcal disease can cause serious life-threatening
illness, it requires early diagnosis and treatment. Untreated
meningococcal disease can be fatal.
The yearly incidence of meningococcal disease in the United States is
about 1 case per 100,000 population. In Colorado, there is an average of
40 cases per year.
A vaccine is available and recommended for college students living in
dormitories for the first time because they are at increased risk of
acquiring
invasive meningococcal disease.
Routine immunization for children against meningococcal disease is
not recommended, as their risk of infection is very low.
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