Meningogoccal disease is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria meningitidis. Often, this bacterium can be found in the nose and throat of healthy children and adults. Why some people suddenly become ill with this bacterium is not understood.
Illness is uncommon.
When it does occur, two groups of people are known to have a higher chance of getting sick as a result of direct and close contact to the infected case. The first group is household contacts who live together under the same roof where there is a case of Neisseria meningitidis disease. The second group is pre-school age children in day care centers where there is a case of Neisseria meningitidis disease. If illness occurs as a result of contact, it usually occurs within two to ten days after exposure, but usually within five days. Fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, rash, inflammation of the throat, inflammation of the ear, or lethargy.