Short for meningococcemia, a rare infection caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria.
Meningococcemia is due to the same type of bacteria that can cause meningitis. When the bacteria infect the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, it’s called meningitis.
Meningococcemia can spread through prolonged exposure with patients, droplets from coughing and sneezing and kissing or sharing of food or utensils.
At least two September 2019 deaths in the Philippines have been confirmed to be caused by meningococcemia. Despite the deaths, the Department of Health says that the situation cannot be described as an outbreak.
