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Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. The bacterium is often detected in the nasopharynx without causing disease, a situation described as asymptomatic carriage. The bacteria occasionally invade the body and cause meningococcal infection, which is an acute severe bacterial infection. Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a major cause of meningitis and septicaemia. The disease often has a rapid progression, with an 8–15% case-fatality ratio. The highest incidence occurs in young children, with a second disease peak among adolescents and young adults. 

Read more about meningococcal disease

Factsheet

Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium with human carriers as the only reservoir. It is carried in the nose, where it can remain for long periods without producing symptoms.

Threats and outbreaks

Disease threats and outbreaks reports; Communicable disease threats report, Risk assessments.

Surveillance and disease data

Microbiology

ECDC promotes the performance of external quality assessment (EQA) schemes, in which laboratories are sent simulated clinical specimens or bacterial isolates for testing by routine or reference laboratory methods.

Scientific advice

Systematic reviews, expert opinions and public health guidance on meningococcal disease

Prevention and control

Vaccines are available against serogroups A, B, C, Y and W. Most instances of the disease in Europe are caused by serogroups B and C.

Latest outputs

Publication

Communicable disease threats report, 5 - 11 September, week 36

Publication -

Publication

Rapid risk assessment: Public health risks related to communicable diseases during the hajj 2019, Saudi Arabia, 9–14 August 2019

Risk assessment -

Publication

Invasive meningococcal disease - Annual Epidemiological Report for 2017

Surveillance report -

Publication

Invasive meningococcal disease - Annual Epidemiological Report for 2016

Surveillance report -

Publication

Communicable disease threats report, 4-10 February 2018, week 6

Publication -

Peer-Reviewed Publication

No consistent increased mortality risk for females compared to males in invasive meningococcal disease in the European Surveillance System (TESSy)

Jan 2018

Peer-Reviewed Publication

The epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease in EU/EEA countries, 2004–2014

Jan 2017

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Strong Public Health Recommendations from Weak Evidence? Lessons Learned in Developing Guidance on the Public Health Management of Meningococcal Disease

Nov 2015

Peer-Reviewed Publication

European risk assessment guidance for infectious diseases transmitted on aircraft - the RAGIDA project

Apr 2011

Vaccine-preventable diseases

2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic

Disease / public health area

Cholera

Disease / public health area

Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS)

Disease / public health area

COVID-19

Disease networks

European Invasive Bacterial Disease Surveillance Network (EU-IBD)

EUVAC.Net

EU/EEA National Immunisation Technical Advisory Groups (NITAG) collaboration