Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial form of meningitis, a serious infection of the meninges (brain membrane). It can cause severe brain damage and is fatal in 50% of cases if untreated. It provides a concise overview of the World Health Organization (WHO) strategy to detect and respond to meningitis epidemics and gives practical advice for those involved in all aspects of epidemic management, from pre-outbreak planning, to patient care and vaccination delivery.