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Meningococcal meningitis is a rare, but potentially fatal, bacterial infection. It causes inflammation of the membranes that shield the brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal illness, which includes meningitis and septicemia, affects roughly 1,000 persons in the United States each year (blood infection).
Without quick treatment, meningococcal meningitis can be fatal or cause significant injury; one in every five persons who receive the virus develops major consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even with antibiotics, 10 to 15% of those infected will die, and 1 in 5 of those who survive will have long-term disabilities such as hearing, brain damage, neurological disorders, and even limb loss.
Here's all you need to know about meningococcal meningitis symptoms and how to prevent and treat it.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS
Meningococcal meningitis symptoms can differ from person to person. The following are some of the more prevalent indications and symptoms:
- General dissatisfaction
- High fever that appears unexpectedly
- Severe, on-going headache
- Stiffness in the neck
- Vomiting or nausea
- Discomfort when exposed to bright lighting
- Drowsiness or difficulties waking up
- Joint discomfort
- Confusion or other types of mental changes
A reddish or purple skin rash (known as petechiae) is a major warning indicator. If the rash does not turn white when pressed with a glass, it could be a symptom of bacteremia, or a bacterial infection in the bloodstream. This is a medical situation that requires immediate attention.
Meningitis or bacteremia may also cause the following symptoms:
- Soft area that is tense or bulging (in babies)
- cry that is high-pitched or moaning (in babies)
- Movements that are stiff, jerky, or floppy (in babies or toddlers)
- Irritability
- Rapid breathing
- Excessive drowsiness or lethargy
- Blotchy skin that turns pale or blue
- Shivering, as well as cold hands and feet
- Seizure
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS?
Meningitis is caused primarily by bacteria and viruses. Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, generally known as meningococcus. Meningococcus is the most prevalent cause of bacterial meningitis in children and adolescents. It is the second most common cause of death in adults.
Meningococcal bacteria can infect any region of the body, including the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory tract. The germs may then move through the bloodstream to the brain system for unexplained causes. It causes meningococcal meningitis when it gets there. Bacteria can also infiltrate the neurological system directly following a serious head injury, surgery, or illness.
If you are exposed to the bacterium that causes meningococcal meningitis, your chances of getting it rise. If you've recently had an upper respiratory illness, your risk increases. Babies, children, teenagers, and the elderly are the most vulnerable.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS?
Meningococcal meningitis can be fatal or result in serious complications such as brain damage, paralysis, gangrene, or deafness. It is critical to act quickly to avoid these issues. Don't put it off. Seek medical attention right away. If you have any of the following symptoms, go to an emergency room or dial 911:
- You are experiencing symptoms of meningococcal meningitis.
- Treatment has no effect on the symptoms.
- You believe you were exposed to meningococcal meningitis.
Meningococcal meningitis can be confirmed using tests. Antibiotics, such as penicillin or ceftriaxone, may be administered via an IV, or intravenous line, by the doctor. Other medications may be required for you or your kid to treat problems caused by elevated spinal fluid pressure. Steroids are sometimes prescribed by doctors.
If you or someone you care about has had close contact (through saliva or other oral secretions) with someone who has meningococcal meningitis, such as at school, day care, work, or home, it is critical to get antibiotics to avoid infection.
ARE VACCINES AVAILABLE FOR MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS?
Even with therapy, meningococcal meningitis is a dangerous condition. That is why prevention is far superior. The meningococcal vaccine can protect against meningitis. There are three types of meningococcal vaccinations used in the United States:
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4): Menactra, one of these vaccinations, is licensed for persons aged 9 months to 55. Menveo, on the other hand, is utilized in people aged 2 to 55.
- Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4): This vaccine, which was licensed in the 1970s, protects against the majority of meningococcal diseases. This vaccine is intended for adults as young as 9 months old and as elderly as 55.
- Serogroup B Meningococcal B (MenB): There are two MenB vaccinations available. Trumenba (MenB-FHbp) and Bexsero (MenB-4C). Both are approved for usage in patients aged 10 to 24, however they can also be used in older adults.
Although neither vaccine can prevent all types of meningococcal disease, it can prevent many of them. In nine out of ten persons, both are effective. MCV4 provides longer protection and is more effective at preventing disease transmission.
Doctors recommend that children receive a dosage of MCV4, administered as a shot, at the age of 11, followed by a booster shot at the age of 16. If the first dose is missed, MCV4 can be given between the years of 13 and 15, followed by a booster dose between the ages of 16 and 18.
People aged 16 to 18 who are not at high risk should also get vaccinated against MenB. The vaccination is also intended for high-risk individuals aged 10 to 24. It can be used on elderly people.
Other persons who are at risk should consider getting vaccinated as well. This includes the following:
- Individuals who believe they have been exposed to meningococcal meningitis
- College students who live in dorms
- Recruits for the U.S. military
- Travelers to places of the world where meningococcal illness is frequent, such as Africa, should be cautious.
- People who have a spleen that has been destroyed or who have terminal complement component deficiency, an immune system problem
- Lab workers who are frequently exposed to meningococcal germs
Everyone should take a second dose.
If you are very ill at the time of your scheduled vaccination, you should postpone getting vaccinated. If you have any of the following conditions, you should avoid the vaccine:
- Have a history of severe adverse reactions to earlier doses
- Have a serious allergy to any component of the vaccine
- Have you ever been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis?
Mild soreness or redness at the injection site is normal and should not cause concern. However, if you have a severe reaction to the vaccine, contact your doctor straight once. A high fever, weakness, or indicators of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness, are examples of such symptoms.