Read condition-specific symptoms and clinical context for Neisseria meningitidis. Meningococci can be carried in the back of the nose and throat without illness.
Meningococci can be carried in the back of the nose and throat without illness. When they invade, they can cause meningitis or bloodstream infection that worsens rapidly. Healthy carriage and invasive disease are separate states. The paired-cell model depicts an encapsulated phenotype; capsule expression differs among strains.
Possible signs of infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord.
Possible symptoms: Fever and headache; Stiff neck; Sensitivity to light; Confusion; Nausea or vomiting.
Seek immediate medical attention for possible meningococcal disease.
Possible signs of rapidly progressive bloodstream infection.
Possible symptoms: Fever and chills; Cold hands and feet; Severe aches or pain; Dark purple rash.
Possible bloodstream infection needs immediate medical attention; symptoms can worsen quickly.
Bacteria may be present in the nose and throat without invasive disease.
Carriage or infection can be present without the disease symptoms listed above.
Clinical context and appropriate testing distinguish carriage from illness.
Source check: 2026-09-19. Educational content; independent scientific review remains pending.