The bacteria that cause this disease are spread by close, direct contact:
— Kissing the lips of another person
— Other direct contact with saliva (Sneezing or coughing directly in another person's face)
— Sharing items that have been in another person's mouth or nose such as: beverage glasses, cigarettes, pipes, drinking straws, drug paraphernalia, eating utensils (such as cups, spoons)
— Sexual contact
Illnesses almost always occur within four days of having been exposed to the bacteria, but sometimes it can take as long as 10 days for symptoms to develop.
Meningococcal disease usually starts with a sudden onset of fever and severe headache. A stiff neck may also develop, and rash often occurs. Nausea and vomiting sometimes occur as well, but may not be a sign of meningococcal disease unless the other described symptoms are also present. Immediate medical treatment is needed for meningococcal disease—the condition can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
Meningococcal disease is diagnosed by examining a person's blood or spinal fluid and finding Neisseria meningitidis. Physicians may suspect meningococcal disease based on a person's symptoms.