Meningitis is an inflammation of the coverings of spinal cord and brain. Meningitis results from an infection to the cerebrospinal fluid in the spaces that surround the brain and spinal cord (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2012). Either infections from viruses or from bacteria can cause meningitis; however, the viral form of meningitis is often significantly less severe than its bacterial counterpart and usually resolves without much treatment (CDC, 2012). Meningococcal disease (meningitis) is caused by bacteria Neisseria meningitides which is known also as meningiococcus (CDC, 2012). N. meningitidis is rather common and is actually is known to occur in the upper respiratory tracts of five to thirty percent asymptomatic individuals (Manchanda, Gupta, & Bhalla, 2006).

Meningococcal disease is primarily occurs in younger children. Nearly 50% of cases occur in children younger than four years of age (CDC, 2012). Adults who are at increased risk of developing meningococcal...
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