Meningococcal group B bacteria (MenB)

What is MenB?  

Meningococcal bacteria cause meningococcal disease. This can lead to two serious illnesses – meningitis and septicaemia.

MenB is short for meningococcal group B bacteria. MenB is one of several types (strains) of meningococcal bacteria. The other most common types include W, Y and C. 

 The MenB vaccine helps protect babies against MenB disease, but it does not protect against other strains of meningococcal bacteria. Another vaccine is offered to teenagers, to help protect them against meningococcal types A, C, W and Y.  

The meningococcal bacteria may cause outbreaks in nurseries, schools and universities.  

Meningococcal vaccinations have been very effective and are our best defence against meningococcal disease, which can be very dangerous. However, many children are still not fully vaccinated. It’s important to protect them because meningococcal disease could develop very quickly and cause serious health problems. 

How do the MenB bacteria cause serious illness?  

MenB bacteria live in the throats of about 1 in 10 of people without causing any problems at all – in fact, they help build up immunity. The bacteria can spread to other people through coughing, sneezing or kissing.  

Sometimes the bacteria in the throat get into the bloodstream, causing septicaemia, or they may get to the brain, leading to meningitis. MenB bacteria can cause both septicaemia and meningitis at the same time. 

Who is most likely to get MenB?  

MenB mostly affects infants and young children. This is because their immune systems aren’t yet fully developed to fight off infection. But meningitis and septicaemia can happen at any age, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms of the diseases. 

Symptoms may appear in any order and some may not appear at all. 

Babies and toddlers 

• Fever, cold hands and feet 
• Refusing food and vomiting 
• Fretful, dislike being handled 
• Drowsy, floppy, unresponsive 
• Rapid breathing or grunting 
• Pale, blotchy skin. Spots/rash (see glass test) 
• Unusual cry, moaning 
• Tense bulging fontanelle (soft spot) 
• Stiff neck, disclike bright lights 
• Convulsions or seizures 

Source @meningitisnow.org 

A typical meningococcal septicaemia rash doesn’t fade when you press it. To check for it, press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin. Not all children get this rash. It usually starts as small spots but quickly becomes deep purple patches. 

What should I do if I suspect meningitis or septicaemia?  

Do not wait for a rash.  

If your baby or toddler is ill and getting worse, get medical help immediately.  

A baby or toddler with meningitis or septicaemia could get a lot worse very quickly. Keep checking them.  

Trust your instincts – get medical help immediately.  

Remember – symptoms do not appear in order, and some may not appear at all. If you are in any doubt about the health of your child, get medical help immediately. If you can’t get in touch with your doctor, go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital. 

Someone with a fever and a rash that does not fade under pressure needs urgent medical attention. You can use the glass test to check whether a rash fades under pressure. For more information, see Meningitis Now or call the Meningitis Now helpline on 0808 80 10 388. 

Can MenB disease be treated?  

Anyone who has MenB disease needs to go to hospital urgently and have immediate treatment with antibiotics. If treatment is started quickly, disability or death are more likely to be avoided.  

Can MenB disease be prevented?  

The MenB vaccine is designed to protect against most MenB infections. Since the MenB vaccine was introduced in 2015, cases of MenB disease in young children fell by over 60% by the third year of the vaccination programme.