risk factors for invasive meningococcal disease

Last reviewed 06/2021

The following are considered to be risk factors for invasive disease:

  • young age
    • highest incidence of meningococcal disease is seen in infants under the age of one year followed by children aged one to five years
    • the next peak in incidence is observed in young people aged 15 to 19 years (2)

  • winter or dry season

  • close contact with a carrier or a case

  • overcrowding or living in 'closed' or 'semi-closed' communities e.g. - university halls of residence, military barracks

  • moving into new communities

  • active or passive smoking

  • exposure to respiratory infections e.g. - preceding influenza A infection (1)

Reference: