Meningococcal disease is a serious, potentially
fatal bacterial infection that strikes nearly 3,000 Americans
annually. In particular, adolescents and young adults are
at increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease.
How Much Do You Know?
Incidence
There are nearly 3,000 cases of meningococcal disease every year in the
U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), between 10-12 percent of the cases are fatal (about 300
to 360). Among those who survive meningococcal disease,
approximately 20 percent suffer long-term consequences, such
as brain damage, kidney disease, hearing loss or limb amputations.
