Meningococcemia
Meningococcal infection is brought by the bacteria Neisseria meningitides.
Meningococcemia is an abnormal condition characterized by the presence of meningococci in the blood.
The most common form of disease due to meningococcal infection is meningitis and the less common is Meningococcemia.
What is Meningococcemia?
Meningococcemia is a clinical form brought about by spread of the bacteria (Neisseria meningitides) to the bloodstream causing severe signs and symptoms.
The most devastating form of meningococcemia is fulminant meningococcemia which consists of hemorrhagic rashes, drop in blood pressure and circulating shock leading to death.
How does meningococcal disease spread?
Infection is spread by direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat which contain the bacteria.
Although meningococcal bacteria are common, they are extremely delicate outside of the body and are not very contagious.
The bacteria spread from an infected carrier to another person through close, direct physical contact and through coughing, and sneezing, kissing. It can also spread through saliva (spit) when sharing items such as food or drinks, cups, utensils and drinking straws.
In general, people should not share anything that has been in their mouth.
Exposure to cigarette smoke increases the risk of spread of meningococci, as well as other bacteria.
Signs and Symptoms:
- fever
- stiff neck
- convulsion, in some
- delirium
- altered mental status
- vomiting
- cough, sore throat, other respiratory symptoms
- pinpoint rashes then become wider and appear like bruises starting on the legs and arms
- large map like bruise-like patches
- severe skin lesions may lead to gangrene
- unstable vital signs
- may or may not have signs of meningitis such as:
- stiff neck
- convulsion
- delirium
- altered mental status
- vomiting
Who is considered a close contact of a meningococcal disease?
A close contact is someone who is likely to have had direct contact with saliva or mucous from the nose or throat of an infected person.
- those who live in the same house
- those who have kissed the infected person
- those who share a bed
- children in the same childcare center or nursery because they
- frequently put objects into their mouths
- those who share drinks, cigarettes, food, drinks, water, glasses,
- cups, lipstick, musical instruments with mouthpieces, or anything
- else that has been in the mouth of the infected person
What happens when someone is a close contact?
- Close contacts of a case of meningococcal disease may be given an antibiotic to protect them.
- Classmates or co-workers of an infected person are not considered to be close contacts unless they have had direct contact with secretions from the mouth or nose of the sick person.
- Those who are close contacts of the infected person do not pose a risk to others and may continue to attend school or work.
- Siblings and other family members of close contacts do not require preventive treatment.
- In most cases, classes, school-related or work- related activities will continue as planned.
- Depending on the circumstances, public health officials may recommend that close contacts receive antibiotics, vaccine, or both in order to prevent additional cases of meningococcal disease.
Can meningococcemia and meningitis be treated?
Penicillin kills meningococcal bacteria that have invaded the body. Early recognition of meningococcal infection and prompt treatment with penicillin greatly improves chances of survival.
How does one prevent meningococcemia?
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid close contact with meningococcemia patients.
- Increase resistance by having healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate rest and sleep, no alcohol and cigarette smoking.
- Maintain clean environment/surroundings
- Don't share utensils, cups, water bottles, lipstick, cigarettes and other water bottles, dishes, glasses, cups, lipstick, musical instruments with mouthpieces, mouth guards, or anything else that has been in the mouth of the infected person
- Avoid crowded places.
For more updates regarding Meningococcemia visit:
http://www.cdc.govPosted for public information
Posted By: D. K. Mangusan Jr., PTRP
Reference: www.cdc.gov
Last Update:
Wed Dec 06 2006 13:34:33 GMT-0800
