Meningococcal Infection
Meningococcal infection is a disease that causes meningitis and sepsis conditions, both of which are life threatening. It is a very dangerous infection, as approximately 1 in 10 victims will die, and many survivors will lose a limb or suffer brain damage. It is a major cause of death and disability in both the developed and developing world. Although it is not as contagious as the common cold, it can be transmitted through saliva or through close contact with an infected individual. During the last 13 years, the incidence of the disease ranges from 10 to 25 per 100 000 people in developing countries, and from 1 to 5 per 100 000 in developed countries. There are approximately 2600 cases per year in the United States.
Symptoms
The symptoms can differ from case to case. Some of the most common symptoms include: nausea or vomiting, difficulty awakening, poor feeling, severe headaches, high fever, neck stiffness, and discomfort in bright lights. It is important to keep an eye on your skin. If a purple skin rash appears, and if the skin does not turn white when a glass is pressed against it, there may be blood poisoning. This is a very serious symptom, and is classified as a medical emergency. Other symptoms of blood poisoning include blotchy skin, a seizure, fast breathing or shivering. In babies, keep an eye out for stiff jerk movements and a bulging soft spot. Meningococcal disease can also cause disseminated intravascular coagulation, a condition that causes blot clotting, which can sometimes lead to tissue damage.
Causes
The main cause of the infection is bacteria. Meningococcal bacteria may cause infection in a certain part of the body, such as the respiratory tract or the skin. It then spreads to the nervous system through the bloodstream, and when it arrives, it causes meningococcal meningitis. Infections, severe head trauma, or surgery are other ways for bacteria to enter the nervous system directly. Babies, children, and teenagers are of higher risk than adults.
Prevention
The most important form of prevention is a vaccine. There are five serogroups responsible for all cases of the infection in humans, and there are vaccines available against all five. Since different countries have different strains of the bacteria, there are different vaccines available. The World Health Organization website shows the efforts of the WHO to ensure the vaccine is used where it is needed most and to try to avoid wasting it. In the United States, there are two types of the vaccine. The first is called meningococcal conjugate vaccine. This is used for people aged from 9 months to 55 years old. This vaccine is recommended for children and teenagers, college freshman living in dorm rooms, travelers to areas of the world where the disease is common, lab personnel who are exposed to the disease, and U.S. military recruits. The other vaccine is called the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine, which is the only vaccine used for people over 55 years old. Some pain and a red mark are expected when the vaccine is administered. If you do experience a strong reaction to the vaccine, (such as high fever or any signs of an allergic reaction), you should contact your doctor immediately.
Treatment
Meningococcal meningitis can cause serious complications or death, so if you notice any symptoms it is imperative to act quickly, and seek medical attention immediately. If you notice any symptoms, especially any indication of blood poisoning, or if you think you may have been exposed to the infection, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. For treatment, doctors may start you on antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or penicillin through an IV. Doctors may even prescribe steroids to treat problems such as increased spinal fluid pressure. Ultimately, the best treatment for the meningococcal disease is prevention, as it is very dangerous and once you are infected you can still die or lose a limb despite any treatment you may receive.