Key takeaways
- Meningitis B is a rare but serious bacterial infection that inflames the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It can become life threatening within 24 hours.
- Symptoms often start within a week of exposure to someone with meningitis B, and may feel like the flu at first. Get emergency care for sudden fever, stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, or collapse.
- Vaccination is the most effective protection against Neisseria meningitidis group B. Meningococcal vaccine options include MenACWY, MenB, and pentavalent MenABCWY (Penbraya).
Meningitis B is a rare but serious illness caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B bacteria. This bacterium can lead to meningitis, an infection that causes inflammation in the protective membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
In some cases, the bacteria can also cause other severe conditions, such as blood poisoning (septicemia), which can be life threatening.
Without prompt treatment, meningitis B can lead to serious complications, including hearing loss, limb amputation, or death. Even with treatment, some people experience lasting effects.
Read on to learn about meningitis B, including symptoms to watch for and ways to reduce your risk.
Meningitis B, more often referred to as meningococcal meningitis, is caused by the Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis) bacterium. This bacterium has several subtypes known as serogroups.
In the United States, serogroup B is
Over 50 types of bacteria can cause meningitis. It can also be caused by:
- viral infections
- fungal infections
- parasitic infections (although this is rare)
Viruses and bacteria are the most common causes. Viral meningitis is typically milder than meningitis B and usually resolves on its own.
Once contracted, the bacteria responsible for meningitis B typically enter the bloodstream, where they can travel to the brain and spinal cord. This can lead to swelling in the protective membranes (meningitis) and, in some cases, a serious bloodstream infection known as septicemia.
While uncommon, meningitis B can become life threatening within 24 hours.
The symptoms of meningitis B tend to come on quickly, usually within a week after exposure. In the early stages, symptoms can resemble the flu, which may delay diagnosis and treatment.
Meningitis B progresses rapidly, so it’s important to seek emergency medical care if you have any of the following symptoms, no matter your age.
| Adults, Children, Teens | Babies |
|---|---|
| stiff neck | swelling in the fontanelle |
| fever | severe fussiness (irritability) |
| headache, which can be severe | refusing to eat |
| bright light sensitivites | floppiness |
| cold hands and feet | twitching |
| nausea and vomiting | convulsions |
| diarrhea | |
| decreased appetite | |
| aching, sore muscles | |
| painful, swollen joints | |
| exhaustion or malaise | |
| red or purple rash | |
| incoherent speech | |
| confusion | |
| collapse |
Consider consulting a doctor if you’ve been in close contact with someone who has meningitis B, even if you don’t have symptoms yet.
Seek immediate medical care if your baby or child shows any of these symptoms.
Meningitis B isn’t spread through casual, brief contact or by touching infected surfaces. Instead, it spreads through respiratory droplets, like when someone coughs, sneezes, or kisses another person.
Certain behaviors and health factors can increase your risk of infection, including:
- living in close quarters, such as in dorms or shared spaces
- kissing or having close, prolonged contact with someone who carries the bacteria
- recent smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- having a recent respiratory infection, such as a cold or the flu
Anyone can get meningitis B, but certain groups are at a higher risk, including:
- infants younger than 1 year
- adolescents and young adults ages 16 to 23 years
- people who live in dormitories or other shared housing
- people who have weakened immune systems
Practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with people who have the infection can help lower your risk of meningitis B. Other preventive steps include:
- frequent handwashing
- avoiding smoking
- not sharing utensils, water bottles, or items that touch your mouth
The most effective way to protect against N. meningitidis, the bacteria that cause meningitis B, is by getting vaccinated. There are
- MenACWY (MCV4): Protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y. Typically recommended for children at age 11 or 12, with a booster given around 16 to 18 years.
- MenB: Protect against serogroup B Approved for 10 years and older and recommended for those at higher risk, including certain medical and immune system conditions. A doctor may also advise healthy teens and young adults 16 to 23 for the vaccination.
- Pentavalent MenABCWY: Protects against all five major serogroups in a single shot, offering the protection offered by the MenACWY and MenB vaccines. The preferred age is 16 to 18, but doctors may recommend it for anyone 10 to 25 years who may need both types of meningococcal vaccines. This includes individuals with certain high risk health conditions or people exposed during an outbreak.
Meningitis B is a medical emergency and requires immediate hospital care.
Treatment typically begins with an injection of broad-spectrum antibiotics to quickly fight the infection. You may also receive intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration and support recovery, and a glucocorticoid steroid may also be administered prior to antibiotic therapy.
If you’re having trouble breathing, you may need oxygen.
To help prevent the spread, people who have been in close contact may also receive a short course of oral antibiotics as a precaution.
With prompt treatment, most people who develop this disease recover without long-term complications. However, meningitis B can be life threatening and may progress quickly, sometimes within a few hours.
Even with medical care, some people don’t survive. Early treatment offers the best chance for a full recovery.
Among those who do survive, about 1 in 5 experience lasting effects, which can include:
- limb amputation
- brain damage
- deafness or hearing loss
- tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- kidney damage or loss of kidney function
- permanent skin scarring
Meningitis B is a serious bacterial infection that can lead to life threatening complications and long-term health issues.
While it can affect people of all ages, young adults, especially those living in close quarters like dorms, are at a higher risk.
Getting vaccinated is the best protection against meningitis B. To stay fully protected against all major meningococcal disease strains, healthcare professionals typically recommend two different vaccines: one for serogroups A, C, W, and Y, and another for serogroup B.
If you or your child may be at risk, talk with a healthcare professional about the best time to get vaccinated.