Meningococcal disease is an umbrella term for infections caused by meningococci bacteria. You or your child could become seriously ill from an infection caused by these bacteria. For example, you could get meningitis or blood poisoning.

Infectious diseases are diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungus. These microorganisms can infect humans and animals and, as a result, pose a threat to public health. The Centre for Infectious Disease Control of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) coordinates the response to infectious diseases within the Netherlands. This page explains how infectious disease control is organised in the Netherlands.