Related information and links: Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can cause septicaemia (a severe infection of the bloodstream) and meningitis (swelling of the membranes and fluid that covers the brain and spinal cord).

It can lead to gangrene, requiring limbs to be amputated, and permanent disability such as deafness and brain damage.

On average, Maori contract the disease at double the rate of Europeans. Those of Pacific origin are affected at four times the rate of Europeans.

Each year more than half the victims are under 5.

Since the epidemic began in 1991, the disease has made more than 5400 people sick and killed 220.


Meningococcal disease websites

NZ Ministry of Health

US Centres for Disease Control

World Health Organisation