Office of Communicable Diseases

Meningitis (Meningococcal Disease)

Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by a bacterium (Neisseria meningitidis). This bacterium can infect the bloodstream or the meninges, a thin lining covering the brain and spinal cord. When this bacteria infects the brain it is called meningitis. Meningitis can cause blood poisoning, blindness, deafness, and can damage many organs. Ten to fifteen percent of people with the illness die, often within hours of the first signs of illness. Meningococcal disease is a relatively rare disease and is usually found as a single sporadic case.

Information on the disease and its prevention  
(forwarded to CDC web site).

What Are the Meningitis Rates In Rhode Island?

Who Can I Contact At the Rhode Island Department of Health About Meningitis?

For more information, please call 401-222-2577.