Meningococcal disease: symptoms, the glass test and the Bexsero vaccine · אלעאי מאיר דרכנו
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Ilay Meir

Meningococcus · in the name of Ilay Meir

Meningococcus: these are the signs
every parent must know

For Ilay Meir Gabai it happened within hours. This knowledge exists so that for the next child it will end differently.

01

Why we are here

Meningococcal awareness
To raise awareness of this aggressive, fast-moving bacterium — so that more families know how to recognize it in time.
Getting to know Bexsero
To make information about the vaccine accessible, so that parents can make decisions with knowledge and in dialogue with the medical team.
Remembrance through action
To commemorate Ilay Meir through education, kindness and projects that keep spreading light.
02

A disease that erupts within hours

Invasive meningococcal disease often starts just like any winter virus — fever, restlessness, an exhausted child. That is exactly why it is so hard to recognize in time.

Hours
Deterioration from a normal state to a life-threatening one can happen within a few hours
10–15%
The mortality rate, even with fast and appropriate antibiotic treatment
1 in 5
of survivors may be left with long-term disability

Sources: CDC, Israeli Ministry of Health

03

The warning signs

If a child is ill and getting worse, these are the signs that call for immediate medical help.

Get medical help immediately if any of these appear

  • A rash or bruise-like marks that do not fade under pressure
  • Cold hands and feet despite a high fever
  • Pale, blotchy or mottled skin
  • Neck stiffness and difficulty bending the head
  • Severe pain in the legs
  • Unusual drowsiness, sensitivity to light, difficulty waking
The glass test: Press a clear glass firmly onto the rash and look through it. An ordinary rash turns pale and disappears under the pressure. A meningococcal rash — does not fade. A rash that does not turn pale under pressure is an immediate medical emergency.
But — do not wait for the rash. The rash sometimes appears late, and sometimes only when the condition is already severe. In Ilay Meir the first sign was a small bruise-like mark on his hand — and within an hour the marks covered his body. If your child is ill and deteriorating quickly, get medical help immediately, even without a rash. Trust your gut feeling. One hour can make the difference.
04

The vaccine worth asking about

The Bexsero vaccine targets group B meningococcus — the most common strain in Israel.

  • Schedule for infants: at two months, 4 months, and a booster at one year — verify with the well-baby clinic (Tipat Halav) according to the age of the child.
  • The vaccine is currently not included in the national health basket or in the routine immunization schedule — that is exactly what our struggle is about.
  • Estimated private cost: about 1,200 ₪ for the series, sometimes at a discount through supplementary insurance — check with your health fund.

We are not here to tell you what to do — we are here to ask you to learn. Talk with your pediatrician or the well-baby clinic, ask about the vaccine, the schedule, the cost. Do not give up on this conversation.

Sources: Israeli Ministry of Health, GSK. Details are updated over time — verify with your health fund and the medical team.

05

Questions and answers about meningococcal disease and Bexsero

The answers parents search for most — about the symptoms, the glass test and the vaccine. Awareness information only, not medical advice.

What are the first signs of meningococcal disease in infants and children?
Usually a high fever that appears quickly, together with one or more of the following: a small spot or bruise-like mark on the skin (the first sign in Ilay Meir was a mark on his hand), cold hands and feet, unusual drowsiness or floppiness, refusal to eat, a monotonous cry, and a bulging fontanelle in a baby. The signs do not always appear together. If you have any suspicion, contact a doctor or the emergency room immediately.
How do you perform the glass test and what does it mean?
Press a clear glass tumbler against the rash and gently apply pressure. If the rash or the marks do not fade and do not turn pale through the glass, this is a serious warning sign that may indicate meningococcal septicemia, and you must go to the emergency room immediately. The glass test helps with recognition but is not a substitute for a medical examination: a rash that does fade still requires close watching, and do not wait for a rash — it sometimes appears late.
A purple or red rash that does not fade under pressure — what do you do?
A rash or bruise-like marks that do not turn pale under pressure, especially together with fever, are a medical emergency and may indicate sepsis (blood poisoning). Do not wait and do not try to treat it at home — go to the emergency room immediately or call Magen David Adom. With meningococcal disease time is critical: deterioration can happen within a few hours.
How quickly does meningococcal disease develop?
Very fast — deterioration can occur within a few hours, which is why it is such a dangerous disease. Even with treatment, the mortality rate of the invasive disease is estimated at about 10-15%, and some survivors are left with permanent damage. Because of this rapid pace, any delay in seeking medical care can be critical.
What is the difference between meningococcus and the so-called flesh-eating bacteria?
These are two different bacteria. Meningococcus (Neisseria meningitidis) causes invasive meningococcal disease — meningitis and/or septicemia. The flesh-eating bacteria usually refers to a group A streptococcal infection (necrotizing fasciitis of the tissues). The confusion is common, but these are separate diseases. It is always worth checking with the medical team exactly what is involved.
Is meningococcal disease the same as meningitis?
Not exactly. Meningococcus is the bacterium; it can cause meningitis, meningococcal septicemia, or both together. Meningitis can also be caused by other bacteria or viruses. The form of meningococcal septicemia — with a rash that does not fade under pressure — is among the most dangerous.
What is the Bexsero vaccine and what does it protect against?
Bexsero is a vaccine that protects against meningococcus type B — the strain responsible for a significant share of invasive cases in Israel. It differs from the ACWY vaccine (Menactra/Menjugate) that protects against other strains; a doctor can explain whether it is worth giving both. Its effectiveness is estimated at about 90%. The decision and timing are determined together with your pediatrician.
Is Bexsero in the national health basket and how much does it cost?
As of today Bexsero is not included in the national health basket, so it is given for a fee — the vaccine series costs about 1,200 ₪ (roughly 400 ₪ per dose). Some of the supplementary health-fund insurance plans reimburse part of the cost; it is worth checking the exact terms with your health fund, as they change and are updated over time.
At what age is Bexsero given and how many doses are needed?
Vaccination can begin as early as two months of age. The number of doses and the timing depend on the age at which vaccination starts — in young infants it is usually according to a schedule of 2 doses plus a booster (2+1). Vaccination is also possible at older ages. The exact vaccination schedule for your child is determined by the pediatrician or the well-baby clinic (Tipat Halav).
What are the side effects of Bexsero and is acetaminophen needed beforehand?
The common side effects are local and temporary: pain and redness at the injection site, and fever — especially in infants. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is sometimes recommended around the time of the vaccination to bring the fever down, but consult a doctor about the dose and the need for it. Serious effects are rare. For any question or unusual reaction, it is best to contact a doctor.
06

Doctors explain

Content that doctors have published about the bacterium and the vaccine — click to watch.

Read the full article about Ilay Meir
Disclaimer: The information on this site is intended for awareness only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or a substitute for consulting a professional. For any question, concern or decision, consult a doctor or a qualified medical provider.