Many of the recent school and college outbreaks have been caused by Group C meningococci. Some patients have septicaemia . The symptoms of this are fever, drowsiness, confusion, rash. Some patients have both meningitis and septicaemia . There are 1500-2000 cases per year in England and Wales.
Most cases occur in young children, teenagers and young adults.
The infection is spread from person to person by quite prolonged or close contact, such as by kissing, living in the same house or flat or sleeping in the same room. This stops meningitis and septicaemia developing and also prevents further transmission of the bacteria to other people. Information on the clinical features and warning signs of the disease. If the infection is confirmed by the laboratory as meningococcus Group C or A , vaccination is also offered. This does not affect meningococci in the throat but stops meningitis and septicaemia developing.