Meningitis in New Zealand

Bacterial meningitis is the most severe and common form of meningitis. It is most commonly caused by infection of meningococcal bacteria. There are several different groups of meningococcal bacteria including groups A, B, C, W and Y.

In 2019, there were 139 cases of meningococcal disease reported in New Zealand and 10 people died. Most cases (51%) were caused by meningococcal group B, followed by group W (30%).

Even with prompt diagnosis and treatment, approximately 10-20% of patients with bacterial meningitis will die within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, and around 10-30% will sustain permanent damage and disability.

Infants and children under 5 years old and adolescents between 15 and 19 years of age are most at risk. But anyone can get meningitis at any time.

Survivors can have their lives devastated as a result of long-term effects, such as deafness, brain damage, learning difficulties, seizures, difficulties with physical activities and loss of limbs (due to septicaemia).

Many people don’t know the warning signs or that many types of meningitis are vaccine-preventable.

people living with meningitis