Symptoms of Meningococci, a Bacterial Infectious Disease That Can Cause Death
Meningococcal disease (sometimes called an invasive meningococcal disease or IMD) is a severe infection caused by Neisseria meningitides.
Launching the sfcdcp.org page, the bacteria can infect the meninges, a thin layer of tissue covering the brain and spinal cord.
This is also what can cause blood infections.
Meningococcal disease can lead to death in 50% of cases if left untreated.
Even if diagnosed early and treated with antibiotics still causes death in 10-15% of people.
For those who live, permanent brain damage, hearing loss, renal failure, loss of arms or legs, and chronic nervous system problems can also occur.
Meanwhile, as reported by health.ny.gov, the bacteria of this infectious disease spread from person to person through coughing or having close or prolonged contact with someone sick or carrying bacteria.
Contacts here include kissing, sharing drinks, or staying together.
It is known that meningococcal disease is easily transmitted because one in 10 people who carry the disease bacteria in their nose or throat can be painless or asymptomatic.
Symptoms of meningococci can appear suddenly, usually 3 to 4 days after a person is infected.
It can take up to 10 days for symptoms to develop.
The symptoms of meningococci may include:
- Sudden high fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck (meningitis)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Red-purple skin rash
- Weakness and feelings of extreme pain
- Eyes sensitive to light
Suppose we experience these symptoms and feel we have been in close contact with someone with meningococcal disease. In that case, we immediately see a doctor to get the best treatment.
They can prescribe antibiotics to prevent the severity of the disease.
