What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is a serious illness caused by a type of bacteria that can lead to an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord and infections of the blood. Meningitis often occurs without warning – even among people who are otherwise healthy.
Meningitis can spread from person to person through close contact (coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact, especially among people living in the same household.
Anyone can get meningitis but certain people are at increased risk, including:
- Infants younger than one year old
- Adolescents and young adults 16 through 23 years old
- People with certain medical conditions that affect the immune system
- Laboratory personnel who are routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria
- People at risk because of an outbreak in their community
Even when it is treated, meningitis kills 10 to 15 infected people out of 100. And of those who survive, about 10 to 20 out of every 100 will suffer disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage, kidney damage, amputations, nervous system problems, or severe scars from skin grafts.
Who should be vaccinated for Meningitis and When?
In addition to routine vaccination for adolescents, meningitis vaccination is also recommended for certain groups of people:
- Anyone whose spleen is damaged or has been removed
- People with certain medical conditions that affect the immune system
- Laboratory personnel who are routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria
- Anyone traveling to, or living in, a part of the world where meningitis is common, such as parts of Africa
- College freshmen living in dormitories
- U.S. military recruits
How can I learn more?
