The first signs of illness usually appear two to four days after infection, the incubation period can be up to ten days. After the first flu-like symptoms, severe headaches, high fever, nausea, dizziness and sensitivity to light suddenly set in. Within a few hours, circulatory failure and punctiform skin hemorrhages can occur. A typical sign of meningitis is painful stiffness in the neck. The feeling of illness is very pronounced.

In infants and small children, the stiff neck may be absent. They cry shrilly, vomit, have a high temperature, are restless or apathetic.

The bacteria are most commonly transmitted as a droplet infection, e.g. by coughing, sneezing or kissing. Outside the body, the bacteria die quickly.

Who is particularly at risk?
Anyone can contract meningococcal disease. However, it most frequently affects babies in their first year of life, small children or adolescents.

Close contacts who live in the same household as people with the disease have an increased risk of contracting meningococcal infection. Close friends and regular neighbors at school, children in the same kindergarten group, work colleagues, intimate partners or other close caregivers may also be at risk.

The public health department will also identify and inform the circle of close contacts at the weekend, as timely protection with an antibiotic is important here. This can prevent people who are already infected from becoming ill and reduce the risk of transmission to others.

The pathogen type is determined in the infected person. Once this has been determined, vaccination is also advisable. In Germany, various vaccines are available for several meningococcal pathogens.