Meningococcal infection is not highly contagious. Transmission from person to person occurs through direct contact with nose and throat secretions. An infected person can transmit the disease by coughing or sneezing directly into the face of others, kissing a person on the mouth, or sharing a glass or cup.
Because it is possible to harbor the bacteria in the nose and throat yet not develop symptoms, healthy persons as well as persons who are ill may spread the bacteria to others. The bacteria is not transmitted by casual contact, such as sitting in the same room as an infected person or passing an infected person in a hallway or on a sidewalk.
What are the symptoms of meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease usually starts with a sudden onset of fever and headache. A stiff neck may be present and later a red rash often develops. Nausea and vomiting also can occur but alone are not sufficient to suggest meningococcal disease. In newborns and small infants, the classic findings of fever, headache and neck stiffness may be absent or difficult to detect, and the infant may show only extreme listlessness, irritability, poor feeding and sometimes vomiting. In severe cases, as the disease progresses, both infants and older patients may have seizures and decreased alertness advancing to coma.
