What is Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD)?
- IMD is a rare but serious disease. It is caused by a germ (a kind of bacteria) called Neisseria Meningitidis.
- It can cause meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain) and meningococcemia (a bloodstream infection). These are two serious infections that require immediate medical treatment.
- Ten per cent of people can carry the bacteria at any given time without getting sick.
- These people can be the source of infection for the few people who become ill.
- It is not easy to get the disease. It spreads through direct contact with the oral or nasal secretions of the nose or mouth (snot or spit)that can get passed by kissing, coughing or sneezing.
- The time from contact to illness can range from 2 – 10 days. It usually takes four days.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of meningococcal disease usually start suddenly and include:
- severe headache,
- irritability and drowsiness,
- vomiting,
- purplish, bruise-like skin rash,
- high fever,
- stiff neck.
In infants, symptoms can also include:
- irritability,
- difficulty waking,
- difficulty feeding,
- bulging fontanelle (the soft spot on a baby’s head).
Who can get IMD?
Although rare, invasive meningococcal disease can affect anyone. It spreads through close, direct contact with saliva or nasal secretions (i.e., spit and snot). This can include kissing, coughing, sneezing, or sharing things like drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, cigarettes, or wind instruments. It is not spread by casual contact (i.e., talking to someone, being in the same room, or breathing the same air.)
How is it treated?
All cases must be treated in the hospital with antibiotics.
Who are close contacts?
- Household members.
- Persons who share sleeping arrangements with the case.
- Children and staff in childcare and nursery school facilities.
- Persons having direct contact with the secretions of the mouth or nose of the case.
What do I do if I am a close contact?
Public Health will identify close contacts of cases. If you are a close contact of a case, Public Health will recommend that you take antibiotics. The antibiotic lowers the risk of getting the disease and spreading it to others.
If you have been in close contact with someone who has meningococcal disease:
- Monitor for symptoms for ten days (from your last date of contact).
- If you develop symptoms, contact a health professional immediately.
How is IMD prevented?
- Good hygiene practice such as hand washing and routine cleaning.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
- Routine Meningococcal Immunization in infants and school-aged children.
- Public Health will advise if vaccination is necessary.
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