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This is a rare bacterial infection. It can cause life-threatening illness at any age, but is particularly dangerous for young children. The bacteria live in the throat. They are spread in respiratory secretions by direct person-to-person contact (for example, kissing), and indirectly on hands or on mouthed toys' or objects. Meningococcal infection may cause meningitis or septicaemia (blood stream infection). Symptoms of meningitis include fever, vomiting, headache, irritability, fitting and neck stiffness (see meningitis, page 109). Symptoms of septicaemia include high fever and rash. |
