An infection caused by meningococcus bacterium, which causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The onset may be rapid, and may follow an upper respiratory infection . The infection occurs in winter or spring, and may cause local epidemics at boarding schools or military bases.
Risk factors are exposure to meningococcal meningitis, and recent upper respiratory infection.
The incidence is 1 out of 1,000,000 people. The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. It is provided for your general information and is not a substitute for medical care or supervised medical treatment. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. There is no warranty that the information is free from errors and omissions or that it meets any particular standard.