Contents:
Medical Video: Meningococcal Signs and Symptoms
1. Definition
What is meningococcal?
Meningococcal is a disease caused by certain types of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus [muh-ning-goh-KOK-us]. These diseases are usually quite serious and include infections in the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia).
Meningococcus bacteria spread through the exchange of respiratory tract and throat secretions such as saliva (for example by living close together, or kissing). Meningococcal disease can be treated using antibiotics, but rapid medical attention is very important. Follow the development of vaccines recommended to fight meningococcal disease.
What are the signs and symptoms?
A common disease produced by meningococcal infections is meningitis. A disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis is called meningococcal meningitis. When a person suffers from meningococcal meningitis, the membrane that protects the brain and spinal cord, called meninges, becomes infected and swells. Symptoms that appear include attacks of fever, headache, and neck stiffness. Often there are additional symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Gag
- Photophobia (increased sensitivity to light
- Mental changes
Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis can appear very quickly for several days. Usually the disease develops for 3-7 days after a bacterial attack.
In newborns, classic symptoms such as fever, headache, neck stiffness may not be found or difficult to know. Babies may become slow or lackluster, irritable, vomit, or not appetite. In children, doctors may see other common diseases produced by meningococcal infections such as bloodstream infections, both septicemia and bacteremia.
The most serious disease between them is septicemia. If caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, this is referred to as meningococcal septicemia or meningococcemia. This disease is a dangerous and deadly disease caused by bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. When a person has meningococcal septicemia, bacteria enter the bloodstream and multiply, damage the walls of blood vessels and cause bleeding to the skin and other organs.
Symptoms that may occur are:
- Fatigue
- Gag
- Hands and feet feel cold
- Cold reaction
- Some pain in the muscles, joints, chest, or abdomen
- Breathless
- Diarrhea
- If it's already severe: a dark purple rash
2. How to overcome them
What should I do?
If you feel you or your baby or child are experiencing these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Meningococcal meningitis is a very serious disease and can be fatal. In fatal cases, death can occur within hours. In non-fatal cases, permanent disability can occur including hearing loss and brain damage.
When do I have to see a doctor?
Get medical attention immediately if you feel you have meningococcal septicemia.
3. Prevention
Vaccine
There is a vaccine for bacteria that causes meningococcal disease. However, the available vaccine does not cover all the chains of the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Like most vaccines, the meningococcal vaccine is not 100% effective. That is, even if you have been vaccinated, there is still a possibility that you may experience a meningococcal infection. People should be aware of the symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and meningococcal septicemia early because rapid medical assistance is very important.
Antibiotics
Sometimes the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria spreads to other people who have close or ongoing contact with patients suffering from meningococcal disease. Patients who live at home, roommates, or anyone who has direct contact or has contact with salivary secretions (such as contact with a boyfriend) can increase their risk of transmitting infection. People who are categorized as having closeness or contact with meningococcal disease patients should take antibiotics to avoid transmission. This is known as prophylaxis.
Infection
If your doctor confirms that you have meningococcal disease, your body will release natural defenses (immunity) for some types that are similar to the possibility of future infections. However, like other vaccines, the protection cannot last a lifetime and is not perfect. Therefore, meningococcal vaccination is routinely recommended. If you have meningococcal disease twice, chances are that you will experience immunity deficiency, which must be reviewed by a doctor.
