Invasive meningococcal disease is caused by meningococcal bacteria and can trigger two serious conditions: meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and septicemia, a potentially fatal form of blood poisoning.
Cases have been rising in recent years, raising public health concerns, particularly amongst young adults. The disease carries a significant risk of severe complications or death if not treated quickly, as the recent deadly outbreak in the UK has proven.
Check out this gallery to learn more about this serious disease and its spread.