Most carriers remain well - but they provide a reservoir from which the bacteria can spread to others. It is not known why some people become ill with meningitis or septicaemia. There are many different strains of meningococci and these can be divided into a number of distinct groups. Currently there is no effective vaccine for Group B meningococcal infections. Many of the recent school and college outbreaks have been caused by Group C meningococci.
Some patients have septicaemia .
The symptoms of this are fever, drowsiness, confusion, rash. Some patients have both meningitis and septicaemia . There are 1500-2000 cases per year in England and Wales. Most cases occur in young children, teenagers and young adults. The infection is spread from person to person by quite prolonged or close contact, such as by kissing, living in the same house or flat or sleeping in the same room.