The dangers of meningitis B

Meningitis B is an infection that can quickly progress to cause damage to the brain and spinal cord.

Because it spreads through close contact, questions often come up about how easily it passes from person to person and who is most at risk.

So how serious is meningitis B, and how easily does it spread?

It can be life-threatening, but there are steps you can take to help lower the risk of spreading it.

What is meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis, or meningococcal disease, is an infection of the meninges, the lining around the brain and spinal cord. One of the types of bacteria causing meningitis is Neisseria meningitidis.

There are a dozen strains of Neisseria meningitidis, called serogroups.

Neisseria meningitidis is common and lives in people’s throats, but it can be devastating if it gets into the blood or spinal fluid. Meningococcal disease often occurs without warning – even among people who are otherwise healthy.

There are also other types of meningitis that can stem from viruses and other pathogens.

How common is meningitis?

While meningitis cases have fallen in the U.S. since the 1990s, that trend began reversing in 2021.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, public health officials reported 463 confirmed and probable cases in 2025, based on preliminary data. This is the second-highest number reported since 2013.

Groups at higher risk during this spike include people ages 30 to 60, Black people and adults with HIV.

The disease is seasonal, with the number of cases generally peaking in January, February and March.

Who gets meningitis B?

Anyone can get meningitis B, but certain people are at increased risk.

Among risk groups:

• Infants
• Adolescents and young adults ages 16 through 23
• People living together with lots of others, such as in dorms on college campuses
• People in close proximity to many others over a long period, such as people making a pilgrimage
• People with a medical condition that weakens the immune system, such as HIV
• People who have no spleen or a condition that affects the spleen
• People taking medications that weaken the immune system
• People in a community where there’s a meningitis outbreak
• Microbiologists who routinely work with isolates of Neisseria meningitides

How deadly is meningitis?

When bacterial meningitis becomes invasive and gets into the blood stream, it kills 10% to 15% of infected people, even with treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Because it can cause swelling in the brain and spinal cord, there are cases in which it can be deadly within 24 hours.

Among those who survive, about 10% to 20% will suffer disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, kidney damage, amputations, nervous system problems or severe scars from skin grafts.

How does meningitis B spread?

Meningitis B is a close-contact illness. Spreading happens through the sharing of fluids. So, sharing utensils, kissing or anything that will transmit body fluids can spread the disease.

It’s not airborne, so simply being in the same classroom as someone with MenB, or breathing the same air, won’t make it spread. But you can get MenB if someone coughs in your face or shakes hands after coughing into their own hand.

Some people are asymptomatic carriers and can spread the disease to others without becoming ill. It’s also possible to spread the disease before symptoms develop. There’s a three- to four-day incubation period.

Preventing meningitis B

• Have a discussion with a doctor about getting vaccinated.
• Don’t share utensils, dishes, glasses or water bottles.
• If you’re exposed to meningitis, ask your doctor about preventive antibiotics.

Meningitis B symptoms

Early symptoms of meningitis B are similar to flu symptoms:

• Sudden onset of fever
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Rash
• Confusion

In late stages, it can cause a rash all over the body. It looks like little bruises, which is a sign it’s in the blood stream. There also might be a cough, sore throat or upper respiratory discomfort.

Another sign of meningitis is being unable to painlessly touch your chin to your chest. However, this also occurs when the disease is more advanced and is not reliable for diagnosis.

A high fever and a headache are the most common signs that help doctors reach a diagnosis in a timely manner.

What to do if you suspect meningitis B

If you have a fever, headache and stiff neck, you may need prompt medical attention. Go to urgent care or the emergency department.

Contact your primary care provider if you’ve been in contact with someone who has meningitis or are in an area where there’s an outbreak.

Meningitis B treatment

Meningitis B is diagnosed by taking a small sample of spinal fluid.

If any kind of meningitis is suspected, it’s treated with IV antibiotics, antivirals and steroids. Because the disease can become serious quickly, we’ll often start treatment as we await a diagnosis and fine tune it when results are available.

Recovery is gradual over a long period.

Meningitis B vaccines

There are several vaccines that protect against meningitis B, and they’re generally recommended for people ages 10 to 25 who are at increased risk.

Certain vaccines protect against meningitis B specifically, while others protect against meningitis B as well as four other strains of meningitis.

The vaccines are commonly given in a two- or three-dose series, usually at ages 11 and 16. However, they’re approved for people up to ages 23 or 25, depending on the vaccine used.