Meningococcal disease is an illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis

SYMPTOMS:

The symptoms depend on the site of infection. Meningococcus can cause:

  • Flu-like syndrome with congestion
  • Sore throat
  • Malaise
  • Body aches
  • Fever

It may also invade the blood stream and cause:

  • Shock
  • Coma

Meningococcal meningitis will start with a fever and a stiff neck and will rapidly progress to shock, coma and death if left untreated. Many people with meningococcal disease will have a petechial rash on their body.

CAUSES:

Meningococcal serotypes include types A, B, C, D, X, Y, Z, and W135. Many people carry the bacterium in their nose without any problems. They can, however, transmit the bacteria to others causing disease. Once it enters the upper respiratory tract, it can spread to other areas of the body through the blood stream.

CONTAGION:

The bacteria can be transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets. The incubation period is 2-7 days.

DIAGNOSIS:

The diagnosis is made by performing a culture of the blood, spinal fluid, or the site of infection.

TREATMENT:

Treatment consists of intravenous antibiotics and control of complications such as shock. For meningitis, steroids may provide some benefit in preventing long-term complications.

OUTCOME:

Mortality can be 15-20%. People who survive the illness may have blindness, deafness, seizures, paralysis and long-term developmental delay.

DISCUSSION:

Meningococcal illness can be devastating. Children from ages 3 months to one year of age are at the highest risk. 80% of disease occurs in children under 10 years of age. Although any person can be susceptible to the disease, people with immune deficiencies are at greater risk. Once contracted, early treatment is helpful, however some children will not survive no matter what treatment is received. Signs of a poor prognosis include early onset of shock and coma. Anyone exposed to the illness should consider preventative treatment or prophylaxis with oral antibiotics.

There is a vaccine for meningococcus. It covers serotypes A, C, Y, and W135. Unfortunately, type B is the most common and devastating form of this illness. There is no vaccine for this. The available vaccine can be given to anyone over the age of two years and is recommended for children of college age living in dormitories. The close contact involved with this living situation allows for easier transmission of the illness.

ONE DOCTOR’S OPINION:

This is a devastating illness. Once contracted, it can rapidly progress to severe illness and death in spite of immediate medical intervention. It is not known who carries the bacteria, so avoidance is difficult. Opportunity for exposure increases in crowded conditions such as daycares, college dormitories and military barracks. If known exposure takes place, a visit to the doctor is mandatory to determine if prophylaxis is needed.

The vaccine is somewhat helpful, but it will not prevent the most common and serious serotype. Neither the CDC nor the AAP recommends this vaccine for routine use, however many individual infectious disease experts do. The vaccine is recommended for routine use only for college students living in dormitories. One shot with no booster is all that is necessary. For parents who want to give their children any protection available, this vaccine is a good choice.

Written by Dr. Michael Bornstein, who has over 28 years of experience as a pediatrician. 

Disclaimer: The contents of this article, including text and images, are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a medical service. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.