> Departments > Health & Environment > Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria (germs) called Neisseria meningitidis. Although meningococcal disease is uncommon, it is a very serious disease. The infection can develop very quickly and can be fatal in 10 per cent of cases or more. If infection is diagnosed early enough and the right antibiotics are given quickly, a patient can make a complete recovery.

Severe infections from meningococcal bacteria can cause:

  • meningitis - an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
  • sepsis [or septicemia]- overwhelming infection in the bloodstream.

The Fort Collins community saw a higher than usual number of serious meningococcal infections from June, 2010 through December, 2010). The state confirmed eight meningococcal disease cases linked to the outbreak in Larimer County. Five cases, including one in Denver, resulted in death. 

Information on Meningococcal Disease and Meningococcal Vaccine

  • Where can I get a meningococcal vaccination?
    • Students and employees of Colorado State University can be vaccinated through CSU's Hartshorn Student Health Center during regular business hours. Front Range Community College (Larimer Campus) students who are under age 30 can also be vaccinated through the CSU health center.
    • Through your personal health care provider
    • Through some local pharmacies (call them first to assure supply and to see if you need your physician's approval).
    • Larimer County Department of Health only has a limited supply of the vaccine which is targeted to children who need the vaccine for school requirements, travellers to high-risk countries, and outbreak-related contacts.
  • Fact Sheet on Meningococcal Disease
  • Q & A on Meningococcal Disease, Vaccine and CSU's Meningococcal Clinics
  • Meningococcal Vaccines: What You Need To Know
  • Acunas Contra El Meningococo: Lo Que Usted Debe Saber
  • Other helpful websites:

News Releases

Para mas información en espanñol, por favor llame al:
1-877-462-2911
7a - 11pm, l-v
9a - 5pm, fin de semana

La información siguiente fue obtenida del Estado de Wisconsin. Es exacto para el Estado de Colorado.