Meningococcal disease is a severe and life-threatening illness affecting people of any age. It is caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, which is found naturally in the nose and throat of many people. While rare, it can cause severe symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, and confusion. It can even progress to meningitis, an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal disease is treated with antibiotics, but it is important to recognize the symptoms early and get medical help immediately. Prevention of this severe condition is also possible through meningococcal vaccinations. Understanding meningococcal disease is essential to recognize the signs, seeking proper treatment, and protecting yourself and your family.
Meningococcal disease is a rare but severe bacterial infection of the meninges, the membranes that cover the spinal cord and the fluid within the brain called the cerebrospinal fluid. It is generally a disease acquired by contact with bacteria, but most people who come in connection with the bacteria do not become ill. Meningococcal disease is sometimes referred to as meningitis, and the bacteria that cause it are called meningococci. Meningococcal disease can lead to death in 15% of people who get it and can cause significant long-term disability. Although not everyone with meningococcal disease has all the symptoms, the most common symptoms are a sudden fever, a severe headache and joint pain, and a purple rash that appears later in the illness. Other symptoms of meningococcal disease may include nausea, vomiting, confusion or feeling very sleepy, sensitivity to light, or a stiff neck.
A bacterial infection causes meningococcal disease. The bacteria are transmitted from person to person by coughing or sneezing or through sharing food or water bottles. Although some people may develop symptoms after only one exposure, others may become asymptomatic carriers of the bacteria and pass it on to others. Meningococcal disease is rare in the United States, but it is more common in other parts of the world. It is most common in the winter and spring months. People of any age can get meningococcal disease, but those who are at the highest risk include those who have certain medical conditions, such as sickle cell disease, diabetes, leukemia, or certain immune system deficiencies. While most people in the United States are vaccinated against meningococcal disease as children, others who have not been vaccinated as children can get the vaccine as adults.
Meningococcal disease can be challenging to diagnose because the symptoms can mimic other illnesses and sometimes come on very quickly. The symptoms of meningococcal disease include high fever, severe headache, a stiff neck, joint pain, rash, and confusion. Meningococcal disease can progress to meningitis, an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. This can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and a decreased level of consciousness. Other symptoms of meningitis include a headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and seizures. Meningococcal disease can lead to death in 15% of people who get it and can cause significant long-term disability.
Meningococcal disease can be diagnosed with a lumbar puncture test or spinal tap, in which a small amount of fluid will be extracted from the rear portion of the spinal canal. A blood test may also be performed in order to look for signs of the bacteria. However, meningococcal disease may be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can mimic other illnesses and sometimes come on very quickly. If meningococcal disease is suspected, antibiotics will be given immediately.
Antibiotics are the treatment for meningococcal disease. Penicillin is the recommended antibiotic treatment, but drugs such as ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, and vancomycin are often given in cases of meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease can be severe and even life-threatening. Therefore, it is vital to begin antibiotic treatment immediately after the onset of symptoms.
Routine vaccines are available to protect against meningococcal disease. In addition, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that people in close contact with infants should be vaccinated; this includes roommates, close friends, grandparents, childcare providers, and healthcare workers. People who travel to areas where meningococcal disease is common should also be vaccinated, as should those with certain underlying medical conditions.
Meningococcal vaccines protect against meningococcal disease. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that people in close contact with infants should be vaccinated; this includes roommates, close friends, grandparents, childcare providers, and healthcare workers. People who travel to areas where meningococcal disease is common should also be vaccinated, as should those with certain underlying medical conditions.
Meningococcal disease can be very serious and even life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and to begin antibiotic treatment as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. A bacterial infection is life-threatening and can cause death, especially if not treated quickly.
Coping with meningococcal disease can be extremely difficult. Therefore, getting treatment as soon as possible and taking care of yourself is essential. Meningococcal disease can progress quickly, and antibiotics are the only available treatments. Therefore, it is vital to seek help as soon as possible and to take care of yourself in the process. Meningococcal disease can be fatal, but with prompt treatment, most people will recover without any long-term effects.
Meningococcal disease is a rare but severe bacterial infection of the meninges, the membranes that cover the spinal cord and the fluid within the brain called the cerebrospinal fluid. The disease is generally a disease that is acquired by contact with bacteria, but most people who come in connection with the bacteria do not become ill. Meningococcal disease can lead to death in 15% of people who get it and can cause significant long-term disability. Although not everyone with meningococcal disease has all the symptoms, the most common symptoms are a sudden fever, a severe headache and joint pain, and a purple rash that appears later in the illness. Other symptoms of meningococcal disease may include nausea, vomiting, confusion or feeling very sleepy, sensitivity to light, or a stiff neck. Meningococcal disease is rare, but it is important to recognize the symptoms and get treatment soon.
