Meningococcal disease is a severe illness that can strike quickly. A notice published in The Press on Monday said Davidson died "after a day's illness". Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that causes severe illness, most commonly presenting as meningitis. Up to 15 per cent of people carry the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease in their nose and throat without being sick. Meningococcal disease is most prevalent during winter and spring and is spread through coughing and sniffing, kissing and sharing utensils.

Source: Stuff September 29, 2019 15:56 UTC