Meningococcal disease is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection.
The disease occurs as either meningococcal meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord or meningococcemia, the presence of bacteria in the blood. It may occur sporadically or in small outbreaks. Rates of meningococcal disease are highest among infants, but in the past decade rates among 11-22 year olds have increased. In 1998-99 there were 88 cases reported among college students, six of them fatal. Survivors may suffer brain damage, hearing loss, kidney failure or loss of limbs.