Also called meningococcemia, meningococcal septicaemia is a rare disease, but one you want to recognize quickly.
Meningococcal septicaemia can cause death in a matter of hours.
Early treatment can help prevent life-threatening or debilitating complications and lead to a full recovery.
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Any disease due to these bacteria is called meningococcal disease.
The two most common types aremeningococcal meningitisand meningococcal septicemia.
This happens in the case of meningococcal meningitis.
However, you cant catch them through casual contact.
Risk Factors
Some people are more likely than others to develop dangerous infections from these bacteria.
This is called prophylaxis.
Seek emergency medical attention if you or anyone you know has these symptoms.
Quick action can save their life and prevent serious complications.
That may prompt them to test for it earlier than they otherwise might.
Testing the CSF requires alumbar puncture(spinal tap).
This helps healthcare providers snag the best antibiotics to treat it.
Antibiotics help reduce the risk of death.
Shock can causelow blood pressure, so medications may be used to raise it.
Between 10 to 15 in 100 people with meningococcal disease die despite treatment with antibiotics.
A Word From Verywell
Meningococcal septicaemia is an awful disease that strikes fast and hits hard.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent death and other serious complications, and lead to a full recovery.
Nguyen N, Ashong D.Meningococcal disease (Neisseria meningitidis infection)[Updated 2024 Feb 27].
In: StatPearls [Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
2014;62(11):2064-2070. doi:10.1111/jgs.13110
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal disease symptoms and complications.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Meningococcemia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal disease.
