Meningitis and blood poisoning are the most common manifestations of this bacterial infection, although it has been known to cause septic arthritis, pneumonia, brain inflammation, and other syndromes. Meningococcal meningitis is transmitted through the air via droplets of respiratory secretions and from direct contact with persons infected with the disease. Direct contact, for these purposes, is defined as oral contact with shared items such as cigarettes or drinking glasses or through intimate contact such as kissing. Data indicates certain social behaviors, such as exposure to passive or active smoking, bar patronage, and excessive alcohol consumption increase students' chances of getting the disease. Students with respiratory infections, compromised immunity, those in close contact to a known case and travelers to endemic areas of the world are also at increased risk.
Outbreaks usually occur in the late winter and early spring when school is in session.
The meningococcal vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective. W-135, the most common strains of the disease. Rates of mortality and complications are higher for these serotypes compared to the other serotype B, which the current vaccine does not cover. The vaccine is very safe and adverse reactions are mild and infrequent, consisting primarily of redness and pain at the site of injection lasting up to two days. The duration of the meningococcal vaccine's efficacy is approximately 3 to 5 years.