Meningococcal infections are triggered by Neisseria meningitides and include meningitis and infections affecting the bloodstream.
- Meningitis – characterized as infection of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord
- Sepsis – infection of the bloodstream
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The infections that affect the joints, lungs and the heart are uncommon. In temperate areas, most cases of meningococcal infections occur during the spring and winter season.
It is important to note that meningococci reside in the nose and throat of some individuals without triggering any symptoms. These individuals are called as carriers and some become carriers after outbreaks. Infection typically occurs among individuals who have been exposed to the bacteria. The infection spreads via direct exposure with the throat and nasal secretions.
Who are at risk?
- Children aged 6 months up to 3 years
It is important to note that meningitis can cause headache, fever, reddened rash and stiff neck. Among infants, there are feeding issues, sluggishness and a weak cry. - Military recruits
- Adolescents
- Students living in dormitories
- Individuals with certain immune system disorders
- Microbiologists who work with meningococci
The outbreaks are responsible for only a small percentage of cases and has a tendency to occur among those who spend time or reside in close quarters with others.
What are the symptoms?
Individuals with meningococcal infections feel very sick. It is important to note that meningitis can cause headache, fever, reddened rash and stiff neck. Among infants, there are feeding issues, sluggishness and a weak cry.
When it comes to bloodstream infections, they can cause rashes of reddened or purple spots. A significant infection can lead to hazardously low blood pressure, bleeding tendency and dysfunction of various organs such as the liver and kidneys.
A small percentage of individuals who are treated eventually die of the infections. Almost half of cases with severe bloodstream infections face death. Among those who recover might end up with serious complications such as intellectual disability, permanent hearing loss or loss of toes or fingers.
Management
An individual is usually taken care of in an intensive care unit in a healthcare facility and provided with antibiotics and fluids intravenously right away before the doctor will get the results of the culture which identifies the organism responsible for the infection.
In case meningococci are confirmed, the doctor will change antibiotics that are more effective against the bacteria, usually penicillin or ceftriaxone that are administered intravenously.
Corticosteroids might also be given to children and adults who have meningitis. These medications work by preventing damage to the brain.