MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE

The most important form of prevention is a vaccine against N. meningitidis. Different countries have different strains of the bacteria and therefore use different vaccines. Five serogroups, A, B, C, Y and W135 are responsible for virtually all cases of the disease in humans. Vaccines are currently available against four of the five strains, and a vaccine against the B strain is in development. Additionally, basic hygiene measures, such as hand washing and not sharing drinking cups, can reduce the incidence of infection by limiting exposure.