Meningitis, meningococcal
Meningitis, meningococcal Causes
Infection from Neisseria meningitidis (also known as meningococcus) is the main cause, the transmission of which is extremely contagious.
Meningitis, meningococcal Definition
By definition Meningococcemia occurs when there is the presence of Neisseria meningitidis (also known as meningococcus) which is a severe bacterical infection in the blood stream. Initially, the disease presents some difficulties in proper identification because it appears in different forms depending on the part of the body that it affects. It is possible that there can also be meningitis or septicaemia, or even a combination of both
Meningitis, meningococcal Diagnosis
Diagnosis is confirmed through a blood culture.
Meningitis, meningococcal Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms can be misleading even as not all children who exhibit purpuric rash and high fever are positive for the disease until proven conclusively. Symptoms range in severity, duration and order of appearance from case to case. The most significant symptom are rashes which are pinpoint red spots (petechiae); there is high fever as well, a severe headache, nausea and vomiting, a very stiff neck, severe malaise, photophobia or extreme sensitivity to light and changing mental states.
Meningitis, meningococcal Treatment
The most effective line of defense in this regard is a vaccine; there are different kinds depending on the country because there are different strains of the bacteria. There is evidence to point out that some of these vaccines may not be quite effective. Precaution should be made especially when there are confirmed reports of the disease being in close proximity. Extreme hygiene should be observed to limit exposure. At the onset of the disease, powerful antibiotics is the best recourse.