Definition:
By definition Meningococcemia occurs when there is the presence of Neisseria meningitidis (also known as
meningococcus) which is a severe bacterical infection in the blood stream. Initially, the disease presents
some difficulties in proper identification because it appears in different forms depending on the part of the
body that it affects. It is possible that there can also be meningitis or septicaemia, or even a combination
of both
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is confirmed through a blood culture.
Treatment:
The most effective line of defense in this regard is a vaccine; there are different kinds depending on the
country because there are different strains of the bacteria. There is evidence to point out that some of
these vaccines may not be quite effective. Precaution should be made especially when there are confirmed
reports of the disease being in close proximity. Extreme hygiene should be observed to limit exposure. At
the onset of the disease, powerful antibiotics is the best recourse.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms can be misleading even as not all children who exhibit purpuric rash and high fever are positive
for the disease until proven conclusively. Symptoms range in severity, duration and order of appearance
from case to case. The most significant symptom are rashes which are pinpoint red spots (petechiae);
there is high fever as well, a severe headache, nausea and vomiting, a very stiff neck, severe malaise,
photophobia or extreme sensitivity to light and changing mental states.
Causes:
Infection from Neisseria meningitidis (also known as meningococcus) is the main cause, the transmission
of which is extremely contagious.
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