What can be done to prevent the infection?

A person who has had recent close contact with someone diagnosed with a meningococcal infection needs preventive treatment. Close contact includes living in the same house. It also can mean being in the same closed setting, such as a classroom. Treatment involves receiving an antibiotic to prevent catching the infection. Also, people in contact with the sick person should be watched for signs of an infection. If these signs occur, further treatment is needed quickly.

An individual can lower the risk of meningococcal infections by avoiding contact with secretions from the mouth or nose of an infected person. The following items should not be shared because they can carry these secretions:

There is also a vaccine that is used in certain settings. It only protects against certain types or strains of these bacteria. This vaccine is currently recommended for college students who live in dormitories. It may also be given to other individuals at high risk.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

Severe involvement of any area from a meningococcal infection may cause permanent effects. For instance, skin may become scarred from a severe rash. Permanent brain damage, most commonly resulting in hearing impairment, can be caused by meningitis. Severe blood infections or meningitis can result in death.

What are the risks to others?

A meningococcal infection is contagious. It is spread from person to person through droplets from the infected person's nose or mouth.