The disease is present in many countries of the world and can occur as an isolated incident or as an epidemic. The greatest epidemics are seen in those parts of Africa to the south of the Sahara.
The bacteria spread from person to person through the air. The bacteria can not survive outside the mucous membrane such as on door handles, etc. The symptoms are typically high fever, headache and rash on the skin.
It is possible to vaccinate against several kinds of meningococcus (however there is no vaccine against type B). Vaccination is recommended for people who are planning to live or travel in the above mentioned areas for a long period of time. Remember that vaccination is required in connection with pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.