An Overview of Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningococcal meningitis is a rare but serious infection. It causes the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed. Each year, fewer than 2,600 people get meningococcal meningitis in the U.S. But this disease can be fatal or cause great harm if you are not treated right away. Even with treatment, meningococcal meningitis is often fatal. And as many as one out of five people who get it have serious complications. Here's what you need to know about the symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and ways to prevent and treat it.
What Causes Meningococcal Meningitis?
Bacteria and viruses are the two main causes of meningitis. The bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, also called meningococcus, causes meningococcal meningitis. In children and teens, meningococcus is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis. In adults, it is the second most common cause.
Meningococcal bacteria may cause infection in a part of the body -- the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or respiratory tract, for instance. For unknown reasons, the bacteria may then spread through the bloodstream to the nervous system. When it gets there, it causes meningococcal meningitis. Bacteria can also enter the nervous system directly after severe head trauma, surgery, or infection.
Your risk for meningococcal meningitis increases if you are exposed to the bacterium that causes it. Your risk also increases if you've had a recent upper respiratory infection. Babies, children, and teens are at greatest risk.
What Are the Symptoms of Meningococcal Meningitis?
Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis may vary from case to case. The more common signs and symptoms include:
- general poor feeling
- sudden high fever
- severe, persistent headache
- neck stiffness
- nausea or vomiting
- discomfort in bright lights
- drowsiness or difficulty awakening
- joint pain
- confusion or other mental changes
A reddish or purple skin rash is a very important sign to watch for. If it does not turn white when you press a glass against it, the rash may be a sign of blood poisoning. This is a medical emergency.
Other symptoms of meningitis or blood poisoning may include:
- tense or bulging soft spot (in babies)
- high-pitched or moaning cry (in babies)
- stiff, jerky movements or floppiness (in babies or toddlers)
- irritability
- fast breathing
- lethargy or excessive sleepiness
- blotchy skin, turning pale or blue
- shivering, or cold hands and feet
- seizure
What's the Treatment for Meningococcal Meningitis?
Meningococcal meningitis can cause death or serious complications, such as brain damage, paralysis, gangrene, or deafness. To prevent these problems, it's important to act quickly. Do not wait. Seek immediate medical attention. Go to an emergency room or call 9-1-1 if:
- you notice symptoms of meningococcal meningitis
- symptoms do not improve with treatment
- you think you have been exposed to meningococcal meningitis
Tests can confirm a diagnosis of meningococcal meningitis. The doctor may start antibiotics, such as penicillin or ceftriaxone, by an IV, or intravenous line. You or your child may also need other medication to treat problems related to increased spinal fluid pressure. Doctors sometimes prescribe steroids.
Have you or someone you love come into close contact with someone who has meningococcal meningitis? This includes contact at school, at day care, at home, or at work. If so, it is very important to get antibiotics to prevent infection.
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