Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection which usually causes meningitis (inflammation of the lining covering the brain and spinal cord) and/or septicaemia (blood poisoning).

Most cases of meningococcal disease emerge in spring.

''Everyone is urged to be familiar with the symptoms of meningococcal disease'', Sydney West Area Health Service communicable diseases and immunisation manager Dr Vicky Sheppard said.

''Early detection and treatment with antibiotics can, in the majority of cases, result in full recovery''.

The first symptoms of meningococcal disease often include pain in the legs, cold hands and feet and abnormal skin colour.

Later symptoms may include a high fever, headache, neck stiffness, vomiting or a blotchy purple-red rash.

Meningococcal bacteria is passed between people in the secretions from the back of the nose or throat.

The two main strains of meningococcal disease are B and C. A vaccine is effective against the C strain, but there is no Australian vaccine for the B strain.