Meningococcal disease shouldn't be confused with flu

Nov 7, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Berlin - The risk of contracting meningococcal disease rises significantly during the cold months of winter and early spring. When people spend more time huddled together in a confined space, the pathogens contained in tiny droplets in the mouth and throat are able to spread more easily.

'A meningococcal infection can be similar to flu but is more dangerous,' says paediatrician Martin Terhardt.

Terhardt, a member of the vaccination commission at Germany's Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases in Berlin, says meningococcal disease can be difficult to diagnose.

'Children quickly show symptoms such as fever, headache and pain in the joints. Vomiting, sensitivity to light, being in a daze, confusion, numbness in hands and feet and a painful or stiff neck are common symptoms.' The illness primarily strikes children younger than 5 years and teenagers between 15 and 19.

'Parents should not delay back-up inoculation, as the risk of infection for teenagers is particularly high,' Terhardt warns, noting that the inoculation is free of charge to those under the age of 17 in many countries.

Meningococcal disease strikes about half a million people around the world each year and has a relatively high mortality rate. In Germany, 10 per cent of those infected succumb to the disease and the rate is higher in less-developed countries. A further 10 to 20 per cent are permanently affected by the disease.

In two-thirds of cases, meningococcal disease causes meningitis - or inflammation of the brain - and in a third of cases sepsis - or blood poisoning - sets in.