It is specific for one strain of bacteria that causes meningitis. Meningitis is an infection that can lead to a dangerous swelling of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. If meningococcal infection goes untreated it can lead to permanent disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage ,seizures or even death. If caught early it is treatable in most cases. It is better to prevent the disease altogether.
Bacterial meningitis is referred to as meningococcal meningitis.
It is easily spread and can cause outbreaks in a specific area such as on a college campus. Infection can cause serious illness or death within 24 to 48 hours. The infection is easily spread through oral secretions. Since the early 1990s there has been an increase in meningitis in the United States. About one third of these occurred in schools, universities, or similar organization-based settings.