Meningococcal Disease

51 cases in 2024 — near the 5-year baseline of ~94.

What is it?

Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis and can cause meningitis, septicemia, and meningococcemia. NYS had 51 cases in 2024. It is one of the most rapidly fatal bacterial infections — death can occur within 24 hours of first symptoms, and 10–15% of survivors have permanent disabilities including hearing loss and limb amputations. Outbreaks occur in college dormitories, military barracks, and other settings with close contact.

How it spreads

Spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact — kissing, sharing drinks, or prolonged contact in crowded settings. About 10% of people carry N. meningitidis in their nose and throat without becoming ill.

Symptoms

Sudden high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, and altered mental status. A petechial or purpuric rash (small purple spots that don't fade under pressure) may appear and indicates serious bloodstream infection. If rash appears, seek emergency care immediately.

Who is at risk?

Teenagers and young adults (especially first-year college students in dormitories), infants under 1, military recruits, people without a spleen, and immunocompromised individuals are at highest risk.

What you can do

Vaccine information

MenACWY vaccine (Menactra, Menveo, MenQuadfi) protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y. MenB vaccines (Bexsero, Trumenba) protect against serogroup B, which causes about 1/3 of US cases. Both vaccine types are recommended for high-risk groups.

Based on NYSDOH annual communicable disease report. Threat level reflects 2024 case counts compared to the 5-year baseline.