Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis. It can cause an infection of the lining membrane of the brain and spinal cord. It can result in serious complications.(1)
5
There are 5 types of Meningococcal meningitis (meningococcal A, C, W, Y, and B#)of particular importance due to their potential to cause disease for which vaccines are available in Saudi Arabia.(5,6)
Neisseria meningitidis is a bacteria that causes Meningococcal meningitis.(1)
About 1 in 10 people carry this bacteria in
the back of their nose and throat without
facing any illness. These people are called carriers.(1)
- Meningococcal meningitis is spread through respiratory secretions such as through spit and saliva.(1)
- Generally, it takes close or lengthy contact to
spread this bacteria (for example, coughing or
kissing).(1)
The most common symptoms include :(1)
-
Fever
-
Headache
-
Stiff neck
There are often additional symptoms, such as:(1)
-
Nausea
-
Vomiting
-
Photophobia (eyes being more sensitive to light)
-
Altered mental status (confusion)
While early signs and symptoms are similar to flu, the rapid transition of
these into serious complications are what
distinguish it from other diseases.(2)
Anyone can get Meningococcal meningitis , but certain people are at increased risk (1,7-9)
MASS GATHERINGS
-
Mass gathering can increase risk of
Meningococcal meningitis disease.
MEDICATIONS
-
People who receive complement inhibitors are at increased risk
for meningococcal meningitis disease.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
-
Persistent complement.
component deficiencies. -
Functional and anatomic asplenia
-
HIV infection.
AGE
-
Children younger than 1 year of age.
-
Teens and young adults ages 16
through 23 years old. -
Adults 65 years and older.
-
Maintaining hygiene and
not sharing cups,
toothbrushes and others.
-
Wearing Masks, and
covering the mouth and
nose when sneezing
-
Vaccination*
*Refer back to MOH preventive measures recommendation and consult you doctor or licensed pharmacist on the best ways to get fully protected
Meningococcal
A, C, W, Y vaccine
Meningococcal
B vaccine#
*Refer back to MOH preventive measures recommendation and consult you doctor or licensed pharmacist on the best ways to get fully protected
Meningococcal
B vaccine
You're now
FULLY PROTECTED
against meningococcal
meningitis for Hajj
Meningococcal
A, C, W, Y vaccine
Meningococcal
B vaccine#
There are 5 types of Meningococcal meningitis
(meningococcal A, C, W, Y, and B) of particular importance due
to their potential to cause disease for which vaccines are
available in Saudi Arabia(5,6)
There are 2 types of vaccines available in Saudi Arabia:(6)
• Meningococcal ACWY vaccine
• Meningococcal B vaccine
PLANNING FOR HAJJ?
It takes 2
vaccines to be
FULLY PROTECTED?*
against all 5 types of
Meningococcal Meningitis
*If vaccination is recommended
Consult your doctor about being fully protected*
against all types of meningococcal meningitis
*Refer to MOH preventive measures recommendation and consult your doctor or licensed pharmacist on the best ways to get fully protected
References: 1. Meningococcal Disease. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/ Last accessed January 2 2024. Hovmand N,
Christensen HC, Lundbo LF, et al. Nonspecic symptoms dominate at rst contact to emergency healthcare services among cases with
invasive meningococcal disease. BMC Fam Pract. 2021 Nov 240:(1)22;30. doi: 10.1186/s9 8-01585-021-12875.
2. https://sdi.sfda.gov.sa/Home/DrugSearch?textFilter=MENINGITIDIS - accssed Jan 2024
This Awareness Content is developed by GSK and
intended for Saudi Arabia residents only.
Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.
©2024 GSK group of companies or its licensor.
GlaxoSmithKline Export Limited, Saudi Arabia
References:1. Meningococcal Disease. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/ Last accessed January 2 2024. Hovmand N,Christensen HC, Lundbo LF, et al. Nonspecifc symptoms dominate at first contact to emergency healthcare services among cases withinvasive meningococcal disease. BMC Fam Pract. 2021 Nov 240:(1)22;30. doi: 10.1186/s9 8-01585-021-12875.
2. https://sdi.sfda.gov.sa/Home/DrugSearch?textFilter=MENINGITIDIS - accssed Jan 2024
References:
-
Meningococcal Disease. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/ Last accessed January 2024
-
Hovmand N, Christensen HC, Lundbo LF, et al. Nonspecific symptoms dominate at first contact to emergency
healthcare services among cases with invasive meningococcal disease. BMC Fam Pract. 2021 Nov 30;22(1):240. doi:
10.1186/s12875-021-01585-8 -
https://www.stats.gov.sa/system/tdf/file_manger/Hajj%20Report%201444H-EN_compressed-2.pdf?file=1&type=node
&id=145224&force=0 -
Memish ZA, Al-Tawfiq JA, Almasri M, et al. Neisseria meningitidis nasopharyngeal carriage during the Hajj: A cohort
study evaluating the need for prophylaxis. Vaccine. 2017 Apr 25;35(18):2473-2478. doi:
10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.03.027 -
World Health Organization (WHO), 2018. Meningococcal meningitis. Factsheet no. 141 [last accessed Feb 2021]
-
https://sdi.sfda.gov.sa/Home/DrugSearch?textFilter=MENINGITIDIS - accssed Jan 2024
-
Muttalif AR . Inf Infect Dis Ther 2019
-
Borrow R. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2009;7:219-252
-
Lingappa JR, et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2003;9:665-67
-
Ministry Of Health Saudi Arabia. Available at:
https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/awarenessplateform/VariousTopics/Pages/Meningitis.aspx. Last accessed February
2024