How to Prevent Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease, or meningitis, is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the meninges which are the membranes that cover the spinal cord and the brain. According to the New York State Department of Health, meningococcal disease is most common in infants, young children and college students residing in dormitories. Bacterial meningitis is potentially fatal and requires immediate medical treatment, typically in a hospital setting.

Instructions

• 1

  Avoid sharing drinks and eating utensils with anyone who may be ill. Also avoid kissing or otherwise coming into contact with the oral secretions of anyone who may be carrying the bacteria responsible for meningococcal disease.

• 2

  Seek treatment for any fever or infection, and follow your doctor's instructions as to medications and other therapies.

• 3

  Get vaccinated for meningitis, and make certain your children are vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination with Menomune (MPSV4) or Menactra (MCV4), and urges all parents to have their children vaccinated against Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib), measles, mumps, polio and pneumococcus, all of which can lead to meningitis.

• 4

  Learn the symptoms of meningococcal disease so that you may identify the disease early in your family members. Early detection and treatment in loved ones limits your exposure and the risk of infection. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, photophobia, vomiting and rash.

• 5

  Call your doctor immediately if you have been exposed to anyone with bacterial meningitis. You and other members of your household may need to take a course of antibiotics to prevent catching the disease. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services states that meningococcal disease is contagious for at least 24 hours following the start of treatment and the cessation of symptoms.

• 6

  Take a course of preventive antibiotics if you have been exposed to the disease. Rifampin, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone are used to prevent and treat bacterial meningitis.