About Meningococcal Meningitis

It can be sudden and deadly.
But there’s good news. There is something you can do about it.

Meningococcal meningitis is the most common form of bacterial meningitis in adolescents and young adults. 

Meningococcal meningitis refers to any illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. This bacteria can cause a life-threatening bloodstream infection
(that may lead to sepsis) or meningitis (infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord)—or both.

Meningococcal meningitis is mainly caused by 5 types of meningococcal bacteria—ABCWY.

Early symptoms can often be mistaken for the flu.

These are just some of the symptoms of meningococcal meningitis. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience sudden and severe onset of these symptoms.

It can kill in a matter
of hours.

Or cause permanent disabilities like brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities, or limb amputations.

ASMP was founded in memory of two young women who lost their lives to meningococcal meningitis. Emily died from Meningitis B 36 hours after her first symptoms. Kimberly passed away from Meningitis B right before her high school graduation.

It is easy to spread from person to person.

Sharing anything that
comes in contact
with saliva

Being in close quarters

Kissing

Being sneezed or coughed upon

E-cigs and vapes

How can
you prevent meningogoccal meningitis?

There’s Something You Can Do About It!

Make sure you or your child are vaccinated against all 5 types of meningococcal bacteria most likely to cause meningococcal meningitis: A–B–C–W–Y.