Meningococcemia is a bacterial infection caused by the Neisseria
meningitides bacteria. This is the same type of bacteria that
causes some types of meningitis. When the bacteria infect the
membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord, the
infection is called meningitis. When the infection remains in
the blood, but does not infect the brain or spinal cord, it is
called meningococcemia. Neisseria meningitides bacteria are
common in your upper respiratory tract and do not necessarily
cause illness. The disease spread from person to person when
someone infected with the bacteria sneezes or coughs. Although
anyone can get meningococcemia, it is most common in babies,
children, and young adults. An infection by Neisseria
meningitidis, whether it becomes meningitis or meningococcemia,
is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate medical
attention. Neisseria meningitidis, the bacteria that causes
meningococcemia, can harmlessly live in your upper respiratory
tract. However, simply being expos