Normally, these bacteria do not cause any problems, nor any infection. Because the bacteria can t live for more than a few minutes outside the body, they don t usually spread via water supplies, swimming pools, or through routine contact in classrooms, dining rooms, restrooms, bars, planes, etc. For reasons that are not understood, in a very small number of people, the meningococcal bacteria can suddenly become invasive, and cause an infection of the meninges or of the blood. A stiff neck, however, may mean meningitis. Anyone with fever, a sudden severe headache, and a stiff neck should see a doctor - right away if the illness is getting worse, or if drowsiness or confusion develops.
Meningococcal infection gets worse fast, and in most cases, requires admission to hospital.
Meningococcal infection often causes a blotchy purple rash, usually quite small to start with, resulting from bleeding under the skin. This usually occurs late in the illness, by which time the person should already be receiving emergency medical care. Symptoms usually start 3 to 4 days after exposure to the meningococcal bacteria, but this can vary from as early as 2 days to as late as 10 days. If this happens, see a doctor as soon as possible, preferably at the nearest hospital emergency room. Meningococcal infection is suspected when someone has a fever, stiff neck, and pain on bending their head forward.