Algoma Public Health

Meningococcal Disease

An infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis)
Or, it can also cause an infection in the blood (meningococcemia).
It is rare and can cause serious disease.

Sudden onset of fever
Severe headache.
Nausea and often vomiting.
Stiff neck.
Confusion and irritability
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Rash
Infants may also have irritability, difficulty waking, difficulty feeding and a bulging fontanelle.

Sault Ste. Marie: 705-942-4646

Blind River: 705-356-2551

Elliot Lake: 705-848-2314

Wawa: 705-856-7208

Usually within 2 to 10 days, commonly 3 to 4 days after contact with an infected person.

By direct contact with oral secretions, including respiratory droplets, from the nose and throat of infected people.
- Through saliva by close face to face contact, usually by kissing or sharing food, drinking glasses, water bottles, eating utensils, and cigarettes or other items that have been in the mouth of a person with the disease.

Up to seven days before becoming ill and until 24 hours after starting the appropriate antibiotic.

With an antibiotic
An antibiotic is often recommended for close contacts to prevent them from getting sick and spreading it to others. All household members of an infected person are considered close contacts as well as certain other individuals. Those who have not had close, personal contact do not require any preventative treatment. Public health ensures that anyone close contacts are appropriately followed up with. In some cases a vaccine will also be recommended.

If you have been exposed to someone with meningococcal disease and develop symptoms within 10 days of last seeing them, see a healthcare provider immediately. Make sure your child is up to date with immunizations. There are vaccines available that provide protection against the different types of meningococcal disease.
If travelling outside of Canada or U.S.A. check with local public health regarding vaccination recommendations.
Do not share personal items, including eating utensils, food, water glasses, water bottles or cigarettes.
Practice good hand washing.

For further information contact Infectious Disease at 705-942-4646 or toll free at 1-866-892-0172.

Date of Creation: June 1, 2015

Last Modified: Jan 27, 2019