Meningococcal Disease Risk: Understanding Your Chances & Prevention

The chances of contracting meningococcal disease are relatively low. The incidence of meningococcal disease varies from country to country and year to year, but it is generally estimated to be between 1 and 10 cases per 100,000 people per year. Some people are at higher risk of contracting meningococcal disease, such as young children, teenagers, and people with weakened immune systems. There are several strains of Neisseria meningitidis, and the risk of contracting a particular strain depends on your location and the strain causing outbreaks in your area. Vaccines are available to protect against some strains of N. meningitidis, and vaccination is particularly recommended for at-risk groups.