Meningococcal disease is a uncommon but potentially life-threatening infection caused by different strains for a bacteria species (Men A, B, C, W, Y and X).
Around 10% of the UK population carry the meningitis bacteria in their nose and throat. It is spread between individuals by kissing, sneezing, coughing or during close contact with a carrier. Carriers of the bacteria generally don’t have any symptoms but can develop the disease in certain cases.