Meningococcal Disease: Neisseria meningitidis is the bacterium that causes meningococcal illness, a dangerous bacterial infection. This bacterium can lead to bloodstream infections (septicemia) and meningitis, which is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. The disease is spread by an infected person’s respiratory and throat secretions, including saliva, coughing, and kissing. […]