What is meningococcal disease?
A sudden illness caused by a bacteria called meningococcus. This bacteria starts in the nose and throat. The bacteria sometimes gets into the blood or, less often, the fluid around the brain and spinal cord.

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1. What is meningococcal disease?
2. Where does it come from?
3. How is it spread?
4. What are the symptoms?
5. How long can a person spread the bacteria?
6. Who is at risk for illness?
7. What is the treatment of people with meningococcal disease?
8. What do direct contacts need to do?
9. How can the risk of spreading meningococcal disease be reduced?
10. Is there a vaccine available?
11. What should I do if I suspect someone in my family has meningococcal disease?
12. Where can I get more information?