What Is Meningitis Group C?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and can be caused by different types of bacteria and viruses. Meningitis group C refers to a specific strain of bacteria, known as group C Neisseria meningitidis.

Features

• Meningitis group C is the most common form of meningitis in Europe and the Americas, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Symptoms include stiff neck, headache, fever, sensitivity to light and vomiting.

Prevention/Solution

• The CDC recommends children and teens ages 11 through 18 receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, which is protective against "4 types of meningococcal disease."

Treatments

• Early treatment greatly influences the outcome of the disease. All groups of Neisseria meningitides---as well as other types of bacterial meningitis---are treated with antibiotics, according to the CDC.

Considerations

• Meningitis C spreads in clusters through small outbreaks, reports the WHO. Diagnosis is made through a spinal tap, which withdraws spinal fluid in order to check for the meningitis bacteria.

Warning

• According to the CDC, 10 percent of people who contract meningitis from Neisseria meningitidis bacteria die, and many others experience brain damage, deafness or other permanent injury. Call your doctor if you suspect you have contracted this disease.