Meningococcemia – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments!

Meningococcemia – What it is, Symptoms and Treatments of this condition. In addition, Meningococcemia is an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. This is the same type of bacteria that can cause meningitis . When the bacteria infects the membranes that cover your brain and spinal cord, it’s called meningitis . When the infection stays in your blood but doesn’t infect your brain or spinal cord, it’s called meningococcemia .

Neisseria meningitidis bacteria are common in the upper respiratory tract and do not necessarily cause disease. Although anyone can get meningococcemia, it’s more common in babies, children, and young adults.

A Neisseria meningitidis infection , if it develops into meningitis or meningococcemia , is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

Causes of Meningococcemia: Neisseria meningitidis, the bacterium that causes Meningococcemia , can live harmlessly in the upper respiratory tract. Simply being exposed to this germ is not enough to cause this disease. Up to 10% of people can carry these bacteria , but not all of these people get sick.

An infected person can spread these bacteria through coughing and sneezing.

Meningococcemia Symptoms: You may only have a few symptoms initially. Common first symptoms are:

• Fever
• Headache
• Rash consisting of small spots
• Nausea
• Irritability
• Anxiety

As the disease progresses, you may develop more serious symptoms, including:

• blood clots
• Bleeding spots under your skin
• Lethargy
• Shock

Diagnoses of Meningococcemia: Meningococcemia is usually diagnosed through blood tests . Your doctor will take a sample of your blood and then perform a blood culture to determine if bacteria are present. Bloodis usually drawn from a vein in the arm or hand .

Your doctor may perform the same test using spinal fluid instead of your blood . In this case, the test is called a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture. Your doctor will receive CSF from a spinal sprain or lumbar puncture.

Other tests your doctor may perform include:

• skin biopsy
• urine test
• Blood clotting tests
• Complete blood count

Treatments for Meningococcemia: Meningococcemia shouldbe treated immediately. You will be admitted to the hospital and possibly kept in an isolated room to stop the bacteria from spreading.

You will be given antibiotics through a vein to start fighting the infection . You may also receive intravenous fluids. Other treatments depend on the symptoms you’ve developed. If you are having trouble breathing, you will be given oxygen. If your blood pressure becomes too low, you will likely be given medication.

Meningococcemia can lead to bleeding disorders. If this occurs, your doctor may give you platelet replacement therapy. In some cases, your doctor may also give you close-contact prophylactic antibiotics, even if you don’t show symptoms. This can help prevent them from developing the disease.

Meningococcemia Risk Factors: About half of the total number of meningococcal disease cases occur in children under 4 years of age. This figure includes Meningococcal Meningitis and Meningococcemia .

If you have recently moved into a group living situation such as a dorm, you are more likely to develop the condition. If you are planning to get into such a lively situation, your doctor may tell you to get vaccinated against this condition.

You are also at an increased risk if you live with or have been in very close contact with someone who has the condition. Talk to your doctor if this is the case. They may choose to give you preventive antibiotics.

Preventing Meningococcemia: Practicing healthy hygiene can lower your riskof meningococcemia infection . This includes washing your hands thoroughly and covering your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing.

You can also help reduce your risk of infection by avoiding people who are coughing, sneezing, or showing other signs of illness. Also, do not share personal items with sick people. This means not sharing anything that comes into contact with your mouth unless it has been washed after it was last used.

If you’ve been exposed to an infected person, your doctor may recommend preventive antibiotics. This will reduce your chances of getting the disease.

Your doctor may recommend that you get a vaccination. There are three types of vaccines available in the United States. Vaccination is recommended for those at increased risk of infection , such as teenagers, college students, or people about to move into a group living situation for the first time. Talk to your doctor about possible vaccination options.