Meningococcal Disease - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Meningococcal infection is a serious illness caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. Meningococcal disease is one of the most lethal infectious diseases known to man – because of the terrifying speed with which it can kill or maim. It is spread by person-to-person contact through respiratory droplets of infected people. There are 3 main clinical forms of the disease: the meningeal syndrome, the septic form and pneumonia. The onset of symptoms is sudden and death can follow within hours. In as many as 10-15% of survivors, there are persistent neurological defects, including hearing loss, speech disorders, loss of limbs, mental retardation and paralysis. N. meningitidis inhabits the mucosal membrane of the nose and throat, where it usually causes no harm. Up to 5-10% of a population may be asymptomatic carriers. These carriers are crucial to the spread of the disease as most cases are acquired through exposure to asymptomatic carriers. Waning immunity among the population against a particular strain favours epidemics, as do overcrowding and climatic conditions such as dry seasons or prolonged drought and dust storms. High fever, headache, and stiff neck are common symptoms of meningitis. These symptoms can develop over several hours and one to two days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion, and sleepiness. As the disease progresses, patients of any age may have seizures.

Meningococcal disease is uncommon. Meningococci are bacteria found naturally at the back of the throat or nose in about 10% of the population. Many adults and children carry these germs without ill effects. Many of the meningococci seem to be harmless and may prevent more dangerous meningococci getting into the body. About 50 percent of cases occur in infants and children younger than 4 years of age. Young children under 5 years of age, and young adults (15 - 24 years of age) are at highest risk of acquiring meningococcal disease, and there is usually a seasonal increase in the winter to early spring months. Although the germ is spread in droplets that are shed from the nose or throat it is not, fortunately, easy to catch the disease. This is because the meningococcal germ does not survive for long outside the body. Close and prolonged contact with a carrier is usually required for the germ to spread to other people. Antibiotics are available which can treat meningococcal disease. There are two types of vaccine available. One type, known as a polysaccharide vaccine, has been available for several years and provides protection against groups A, C, W135 and Y. Second is conjugate vaccine, protects against group C disease only. It is suitable for use in children as young as 6 weeks of age as well as older children and adults and gives long term protection against group C meningococcal disease.

Causes of Meningococcal Disease

Common Causes and Risk factors of Meningococcal Disease

Bacteria infections (Neisseria meningitidis ).
Meningitis.
Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Septicaemia .

Sign and Symptoms of Meningococcal Disease

Common Sign and Symptoms of Meningococcal Disease

Fever.
Headache.
Loss of appetite.
Neck stiffness.
Nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhoea.
Painful or swollen joints.
Confusion.
Collapse.
Rash of red-purple pinprick spots or larger bruises.

Treatment for Meningococcal Disease

Common Treatment for Meningococcal Disease

Antibiotics are available which can treat meningococcal disease. There are two types of vaccine available. One type, known as a polysaccharide vaccine, has been available for several years and provides protection against groups A, C, W135 and Y.
Second is conjugate vaccine, protects against group C disease only. It is suitable for use in children as young as 6 weeks of age as well as older children and adults and gives long term protection against group C meningococcal disease.
Persons should cover their noses and mouths when sneezing or coughing and discard used tissues promptly.
Wash hands thoroughly following exposure to respiratory secretions.
To avoid exposure, persons should not share cigarettes, straws, cups, glasses or eating utensils.
Eating and drinking utensils can be used by others only after they have been washed.

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