Meningococcal disease: Symptoms, risks, and vaccination options for children

Meningococcal disease, a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection, often goes unnoticed by parents due to its rarity. This infection can lead to two dangerous conditions: meningitis, which affects the brain and spinal cord linings, or sepsis, a severe bloodstream infection. While anyone can contract it, young children and teenagers are at higher risk. In 2025, South Africa reported 148 cases of invasive meningococcal disease, with 35% involving children under five and 26% among children aged five to 17.

The causative agent is the Neisseria meningitidis bacterium, which can reside in a person's nose and throat without causing symptoms. It can spread through close contact like coughing, sneezing, kissing, and sharing saliva. However, under certain conditions, it enters the bloodstream, leading to invasive disease. Early symptoms are often vague, resembling a common viral illness, but can quickly escalate to symptoms such as fever, headache, neck stiffness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.

In babies and young children, signs may be subtler, including increased sleepiness, irritability, poor feeding, difficulty waking, and continuous crying.

Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency, as it can be fatal and cause severe, long-term complications in survivors. The speed at which the disease progresses underscores the importance of recognizing symptoms early. When a person appears seriously ill or their condition worsens rapidly, immediate medical attention is crucial. Diane Buron, Medical Head for Vaccines at Sanofi South Africa, emphasizes the significance of awareness in preventing fatal outcomes.

In South Africa, a vaccine protecting against four meningococcal groups (A, C, W, and Y) is available for children from 12 months of age, adolescents, and adults. Registered with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, the vaccine provides active immunization against invasive disease caused by these groups. Health experts recommend discussing meningococcal disease with healthcare providers, especially as cases often increase from winter to spring in South Africa.

A healthcare professional can provide tailored vaccination advice based on age, previous vaccinations, and individual health risks.