This is why it's important to know how to recognise the symptoms and how to prevent it. It's caused by bacteria that live in the back of the throat and is most likely to affect small children and young adults. The infection is passed on in fluids from the throat of an infected person. Ways in which it can be passed on include sharing drink bottles with an infected person or kissing them on the mouth, or if an infected person coughs in someone's face. Anyone with meningoccocal disease will usually have two or more symptoms which include a high temperature, vomiting, a stiff or sore neck, a rash on the skin, or sometimes joint pain, Anyone with these symptoms - especially if there is a rash, should see a doctor immediately.
Some children share drink bottles - and even lollipops with other children.
It's important to teach them not to do this - not just to guard against meningococcal disease, but because it's an easy way to pick up other infections too. Vaccination against the bacteria is only useful in some exceptional circumstances, for example if there is an outbreak of the disease in confined environments such as boarding schools. Vaccination may be advised for people with certain medical conditions, including those who have had their spleen removed. Your doctor can give you more information about these conditions. The most effective way to fight meningococcal disease is by early diagnosis and treatment, together with a course of antibiotics.