What is meningococcal A?
What is meningococcal disease? Meningococcal disease is a rare, serious illness caused by a bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis). It can cause meningitis, which is an infection of the brain and spinal cord, and it can also cause blood infections. Up to one out of seven (10-14 percent) of those who get the disease die.
How do you get meningococcal disease?
People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria. Fortunately, they are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu.
Is meningococcal a virus or bacteria?
Meningococcal disease is any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These illnesses are serious and include meningitis and bloodstream infections (septicemia). More about meningococcal disease…
Is meningococcal an STD?
Neisseria meningitidis: An Emerging Sexually Transmitted Infection.
Can you survive meningococcal?
If infection is diagnosed early enough and the right antibiotics are given quickly, most people make a complete recovery. Even with antibiotic treatment, invasive meningococcal disease causes death in about five to 10 per cent of cases. Most cases occur suddenly and are unrelated to any other cases.
Can meningococcal be cured?
Doctors treat meningococcal disease with a number of antibiotics. It is important that treatment start as soon as possible. If a doctor suspects meningococcal disease, they will give the person antibiotics right away. Antibiotics help reduce the risk of dying.
Who is most at risk of meningococcal?
High-risk groups for meningococcal disease
infants and young children, particularly those aged less than two years. adolescents aged 15 to 19 years. people who have close household contact with those who have meningococcal disease, and who have not been immunised.
What are the early signs of meningococcal?
Symptoms of meningococcal disease can first appear as a flu-like illness and rapidly worsen.
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Symptoms may include:
- Fever and chills.
- Fatigue (feeling tired)
- Vomiting.
- Cold hands and feet.
- Severe aches or pain in the muscles, joints, chest, or abdomen (belly)
- Rapid breathing.
- Diarrhea.
- In the later stages, a dark purple rash.
What happens if you have meningococcal?
Meningococcal disease usually takes the form of a blood infection (septicaemia) or an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). These infections can develop quickly and can cause serious illness or death. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.
Can I get meningococcal if I’m vaccinated?
Because routine childhood vaccines do not protect against all strains of meningococcal disease, all people must still be alert for the symptoms and signs of meningococcal disease, even if they have been vaccinated.