How is it transmitted?It is transmitted from person-to-person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions. Close contact—such as kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone, or living in close quarters with an infected person—facilitates the spread of the disease. Droplet spread (versus airborne spread) generally takes place at a range of three feet or less, and prolonged contact generally is required for infection to occur

What are the symptoms?The most common symptoms are a stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, severe headache, and vomiting. Rash may also occur. The symptoms usually develop within three to seven days of infection. Antibiotic treatment is effective, but it must be given without delay once meningococcal disease is suspected

After effects Most people who get meningitis and septicaemia survive, often without any after effects, but sometimes these diseases cause a range of disabilities and problems that can alter people's lives. After effects may be temporary or permanent, physical or emotional. People respond to their own situations differently, but frequently are unsure of what to expect after meningitis or septicaemia. Relatives and friends may also feel the need for information, because the person who is recovering often needs a great deal of support. Getting over meningitis or septicaemia can make major demands on people. Fortunately, many problems improve and disappear over time. After effects of meningitis Memory loss / difficulty retaining information / lack of concentration Clumsiness / co-ordination problems Residual headaches Deafness / hearing problems / tinnitus / dizziness, loss of balance Learning difficulties (ranging from temporary learning deficiencies to long term mental impairment) Epilepsy / seizures (fits) Weakness, paralysis or spasms of part of body (if permanent, sometimes called cerebral palsy) Speech problems Loss of sight/changes in sight

Vaccines are now available that help protect against all three serogroups (B, C, and Y) of meningococcal disease that are commonly seen in the United States: