Meningococcal Disease

Reportable by Providers and Laboratories

About this Reportable Disease

Infectious agent: Neisseria meningitidis

Description of illness:
Meningococcal disease is a rare, vaccine-preventable infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Invasive disease can present as an infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), a bloodstream infection (meningococcemia), or both. Symptoms of acute meningitis typically include sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck, and may also include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and altered mental status. Testing of spinal fluid is needed to distinguish N. meningitidis from other bacterial or viral causes of meningitis.

Meningococcemia is characterized by abrupt onset of fever and a rash and may be associated with low blood pressure and shock; it can be fatal within hours. Meningococcemia occurs without meningitis in about 5%–20% of invasive meningococcal infections. Even with antibiotic treatment, about 1 in 10 people with meningococcal disease will die. Among survivors, about 1–2 in 10 will have long-term disabilities, such as loss of limb(s), deafness, nervous system problems, or brain damage.

Interactive Disease Data


Laboratory Reporting

Reporting requirements apply to all laboratories located within Tennessee as well as laboratories outside of Tennessee that test residents of Tennessee, including laboratories located within healthcare facilities. Healthcare providers and laboratories in the same healthcare facility both have a duty to report. The type of organisms and analytes laboratories must report to TDH for 2025 are indicated and there are several ways laboratories can report results to TDH.

 

Information about this Reportable Disease for Healthcare Providers

Clinical Summary

  • Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but life-threatening invasive infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis and most often presents as meningitis, septicemia (meningococcemia), or both; it can progress rapidly and requires urgent evaluation and treatment.
  • Clinical presentation typically includes sudden onset symptoms. Meningitis commonly presents with fever, headache, and stiff neck (often with nausea/vomiting, photophobia, or altered mental status), while meningococcemia can present with fever and rash and may rapidly progress to hypotension, shock, and death.
  • Diagnosis is supported by culture and/or nucleic acid amplification testing (e.g., PCR/NAAT) from appropriate specimens (e.g., blood and/or CSF when indicated). Begin empiric IV antibiotics immediately when disease is suspected; CDC emphasizes prompt treatment and notes that additional therapy may be needed to eradicate nasopharyngeal carriage.
  • Public health actions are time-critical: CDC recommends antibiotic prophylaxis for close contacts (first-line options include rifampin, ciprofloxacin, or ceftriaxone; azithromycin may be used in areas with ciprofloxacin-resistant strains). In Tennessee, invasive meningococcal disease is immediately reportable—providers should call TDH upon suspicion and then submit the report within 1 week.

Healthcare Provider Reporting

Healthcare reporting requirements apply to all providers located within Tennessee, as well as providers whose patients reside in Tennessee.

Providers must report cases of all diseases and conditions listed through one of these methods:

• Mail or fax a completed PH-1600 form to your local health department or fax to the state health office at (615) 741-3857

• Send automatically via electronic case reporting (eCR). See this TDH webpage for more information on eCR, register at the Trader Partner Registration website, or contact MU.Health@tn.gov for assistance.

• Submit online via NBS. NBS is TDH's reportable disease system. To request an NBS account for reporting Complete this user survey to request an NBS account for reporting. 

• Blood lead levels can be sent via fax ( (615) 741-3857), entered online, or reported using the instructions at this link. 

Information about this Reportable Disease for the Public

What It Is

Meningococcal disease is a serious (and sometimes deadly) illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. It most commonly causes infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and/or a bloodstream infection (septicemia). 

How It Spreads and Who Is at Higher Risk

The bacteria spread through respiratory secretions (saliva/spit) and usually require close or lengthy contact (for example, living with someone, kissing, or sharing items like drinks). Some people can carry the bacteria without symptoms and still spread it. Certain groups are at higher risk, including adolescents and young adults, and people with specific medical conditions or exposures (and during some outbreaks).

Signs, Symptoms, and Why Quick Action Matters

Symptoms can come on suddenly. Meningitis symptoms often include fever, headache, and stiff neck, and may also include confusion, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Bloodstream infection can cause fever and a rash and can progress rapidly to severe illness. Because disease can worsen quickly, seek emergency care right away if you think someone may have meningococcal disease.

Prevention: Vaccines and Everyday Steps

Vaccination is the best protection. CDC recommends meningococcal vaccines for all preteens and teens and for other children and adults at increased risk. Everyday prevention includes avoiding sharing drinks and practicing good respiratory hygiene, especially in close-contact settings.

Treatment and Protecting Close Contacts

Meningococcal disease is treated with antibiotics and requires prompt medical care. Close contacts of someone with meningococcal disease may be advised to take preventive antibiotics (chemoprophylaxis) to reduce their risk of becoming ill.

This Page Last Updated: March 25, 2026 at 8:53 PM