VACCINE RESOURCE COMMITTEE

of the Edmonton Zone Medical Staff Association

View Full List of Vaccine Questions Here

Meningococcal Vaccine Question #1:

What is the difference between meningitis and meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is often confused with meningitis, but they are not the same condition. While they share similar symptoms and treatments, they can have different causes. Both conditions may be life threatening.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Various pathogens can cause it.

Meningococcal disease is specifically caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria and can lead to meningitis, septicemia (blood infection) or both.

While both conditions are serious, understanding their differences is key to proper diagnosis and treatment.

Sources:

Medical News Today: What’s the difference between meningococcal disease and meningitis?