There are six typesor serogroupsofN.
Can You Catch Meningococcal Disease From Someone Else?
Meningococcal disease is usually spread during close contact, such as kissing or living together.
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They usually start out as flu-like symptoms and rapidly worsen in a matter of hours.
Meningococcal meningitis symptoms include:
Meningococcal septicemia symptoms include:
How Fatal Is Meningococcal Disease?
Early symptoms of meningococcal disease are usually mild and resemble the flu.
However, they can worsen quickly and even lead to death within 48 hours.
Diagnosis
It’s crucial to quickly diagnose and treat meningococcal disease right away.
If you suspect that you or a loved one has contracted meningitis, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Your physician will start by taking a detailed history and asking about your symptoms.
This involves taking an antibiotic medication as a preventative measure.
Treatment
As soon as the medical team suspects meningococcal disease, treatment is started.
The first step is admitting you to the hospital.
From there, IVantibioticsare started.
The medical team will start with broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.
Further treatment for meningococcal disease depends on the throw in of disease and how advanced it is.
The CDC recommends that all preteens and teens receivemeningococcal vaccination.
There are three types ofmeningococcal vaccines, known by the types ofN.
meningitidisbacteria they protect against.
For example, the MenACWY vaccine protects against types A, C, W, and Y.
Who Should Not Be Vaccinated?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor about if the vaccine is safe for you.
These vaccines protect against five differentN.
Call your insurance provider to find out if there will be a copay.
Complications
Because meningococcal disease is so serious, there are several possible complications.
Complications can occur during the active infection time or during your recovery period.
Its estimated that about one in five people who survive meningococcal disease will experience permanent complications.
If left untreated, this condition can lead to a number of serious complications.
Vaccines are the most effective way to protect yourself from meningococcal disease.
A Word From Verywell
Meningococcal disease is a serious, life-threatening condition that needs emergency treatment.
Dont hesitate to head to your local emergency department if you develop the symptoms.
Common signs of meningococcal septicemia include petechiae, fever, rash, and confusion.
Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis usually include severe headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, and fever.
Complications are common, and meningococcal disease can be deadly.
The best way to prevent meningococcal disease is to stay up to date with your immunizations.
Talk with your doctor about the two meningococcal vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal disease causes and transmission.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal disease risk factors.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease.
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.Meningococcal disease in adults.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal disease diagnosis and treatment.
World Health Organization.Meningococcal meningitis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal vaccines recommended for preteens, teens.
Food and Drug Administration.Penmenvy label.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Meningococcal disease: Information for teens and college students.
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2020 Oct;81(4):483-498. doi:10.1016/j.jinf.2020.05.079
