Neisseria meningitidis, the microbe that causes meningococcal disease, is a uniquely human pathogen since humans are its only natural host. A recent review of the disease sheds light on its clinical course and epidemiology.

• Meningococcal disease takes its greatest toll in semi-arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa.
• The infection is endemic in Brazil, causing occasional outbreaks, epidemics, and sporadic cases throughout the year, with winter episodes being most common.
• Serogroups A and C were responsible for Brazilian epidemics in the 1970s.
• Serogroups B, C, and Y are responsible for most cases in Europe, North and South America, and Australia.
• Among the preventive measures that have helped thwart the spread of the infection are vaccination, chemoprophylaxis, and droplet precautions.