Meningococcal meningitis

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people, especially children and adolescents, get meningitis caused by meningococci. The disease is transmitted via saliva, e.g. when sneezing, kissing or by using the same glass / bottle / cutlery. Therefore, people who live in environments with close and intimate contacts, e.g. in kindergarten, school / university, disco or on trips.

Meningococcal infections can be difficult to recognize, as they are similar to the flu. Common symptoms are fever, headache, photosensitivity, muscle aches and neck stiffness.

Vaccination against meningococcal meningitis

Vaccination is recommended for children, adolescents, students, backpackers and au pairs who stay in or travel to countries where meningococci are common or where the authorities recommend vaccination for their own population, eg Greece, the Czech Republic, Australia, USA, Spain, Canada and Great Britain / Ireland. A vaccination dose provides long-term protection. Read more about Meningitis.

Sources:
Folkhälsomyndigheten
CDC