# Who are the groups at highest risk of contracting meningococcal disease? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/man-hiya-al-fiat-al-akthar-orada-lil-isabah-bi-marad-al-mukawwarat-al-sahaiyah Language: en Category: infectious Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.371Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.371Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/man-hiya-al-fiat-al-akthar-orada-lil-isabah-bi-marad-al-mukawwarat-al-sahaiyah Anyone can contract meningococcal disease, a serious condition caused by the bacterium *Neisseria meningitidis*, which can sometimes be fatal [\[1\]](). However, certain groups are at a higher risk of developing this disease. ## Age groups at higher risk Some age groups are more susceptible to meningococcal disease: - **Children younger than one year:** Infants and young children are at higher risk due to their developing immune systems [\[1\]](). - **Adolescents and young adults:** The 16 to 23 age group is also considered one of the groups at higher risk [\[1\]](). - **Older adults:** People aged 65 and older are also at higher risk for the disease [\[1\]](). ## Individuals with specific health conditions Certain medical conditions and medications can increase the risk of meningococcal disease: - **Weakened immune system:** People with medical conditions that compromise the immune system, including those with HIV or certain rare immune system disorders [\[1\]](). - **Spleen issues:** People who do not have a spleen or whose spleen does not function properly [\[1\]](). - **Complement inhibitors:** People taking complement inhibitor medications, which are immunotherapeutic drugs given for certain rare conditions [\[1\]](). ## Environmental and lifestyle factors Certain environmental conditions and lifestyles can increase the risk of transmission: - **Living in crowded settings:** Such as college dormitories or military barracks, where bacteria can easily spread from person to person via saliva or respiratory secretions [\[1\]](). - **Travel to endemic areas:** People traveling to regions where the disease is more prevalent, such as certain parts of sub-Saharan Africa [\[1\]](). - **Close contact with an infected person:** Living with someone who has the disease or direct contact with their saliva, such as through kissing [\[1\]](). ## Importance of early diagnosis and prevention Given the severity of meningococcal disease, early diagnosis and immediate antibiotic treatment are crucial [\[3\]](). If a healthcare provider suspects you or your child has meningococcal disease, they will order tests to collect blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid (fluid near the spinal cord) samples for bacterial culture tests to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection [\[1\]]() [\[2\]](). The best way to prevent meningococcal disease is by getting the recommended vaccines [\[3\]](). Vaccination is recommended for all preteens and adolescents, as well as children and adults at increased risk of the disease [\[3\]](). For more information on prevention and early diagnosis, you can visit [Meningococcal Meningitis: Vaccination Prevention and the Importance of Early Diagnosis (Arabic)](). If any symptoms of meningococcal disease appear, such as fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, or a dark purple rash (in later stages), you must seek immediate medical attention [\[1\]](). These symptoms can be dangerous and require urgent medical intervention. ## Medical references - [Meningococcal Disease]() - [Bacteria Culture Test]() - [About Meningococcal Disease]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/man-hiya-al-fiat-al-akthar-orada-lil-isabah-bi-marad-al-mukawwarat-al-sahaiyah#answer