Table of Contents
What is the most common cause of meningococcal meningitis?
The bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, also called meningococcus, causes meningococcal meningitis. In children and teens, meningococcus is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis.
Can you recover from meningococcal meningitis?
Suspected meningitis is a medical emergency. If you suspect anyone of having meningitis call 999 for an ambulance immediately. Meningitis can be a life threatening condition and the symptoms can develop very quickly. The sooner someone receives treatment, the better their chance of making a good recovery.
What are the common early signs of meningococcal meningitis?
Symptoms may include fever, headache, and a stiff neck, sometimes with aching muscles. Nausea, vomiting and other symptoms may also occur. Skin rashes occur in about half of all individuals with meningococcal meningitis.
How does someone get meningococcal?
It spreads from person-to-person by coughing or coming into close or lengthy contact with someone who is sick or who carries the bacteria. Contact includes kissing, sharing drinks, or living together. Up to one in 10 people carry meningococcal bacteria in their nose or throat without getting sick.
How do you catch meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is contagious. It is transmitted through close and prolonged contact with mucus from an infected person. Symptoms include a rash and fever. Meningococcal can affect people of all ages, but can be prevented with vaccination.
How do doctors treat meningococcal?
Meningococcal disease is treated with antibiotics, usually in hospital. Some people will need treatment in intensive care.
What does the start of meningococcal look like?
PINK, REDDISH AND PURPLE MARKS A meningococcal rash is caused by bleeding under the skin. It can start as pink/reddish pinprick-sized lesions, progressing to larger purple bruise-like markings as the rash spreads and further bleeding occurs (i.e. haemorrhages).
What’s the prognosis for someone with meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is serious. Ten to 15 people out of 100 will die even if they’re treated with antibiotics. As many as 20% of people who survive will have long-term consequences that may include deafness, limb loss, nerve damage, kidney damage or brain damage.
How likely is it to get meningococcal?
Bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis cause meningococcal disease. About 1 in 10 people have these bacteria in the back of their nose and throat without being ill. This is called being ‘a carrier. ‘ Sometimes the bacteria invade the body and cause certain illnesses, which are known as meningococcal disease.