Increasing cases of meningococcal disease in the US. The CDC urges doctors to prioritize vaccinations

Meningococcal disease is an infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus, which can infect the meninges and blood, leading to serious or even fatal infections. The meninges refer to the three membranes that cover the central nervous system, including the spinal cord and brain, the largest membrane being the skin.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert Thursday warning doctors of an increase in cases of invasive meningococcal disease and urging them to get the necessary vaccinations against the deadly disease. Meningococcal disease, caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, is a serious bacterial infection that commonly affects the brain, spinal cord and bloodstream, according to Reuters.

symptom

Some people are at greater risk of contracting meningococcal disease, including:

– Infants under one year of age, adolescents and young adults, especially those exposed to secondhand smoke.

– People traveling to regions where meningococcal disease is common.

– Those who do not have a spleen or have a damaged spleen.

– People with sickle cell anemia.

– People who live in crowded environments, such as university dormitories or military housing.

– Those who have been exposed during outbreaks of infection or who work with bacteria in laboratories.

– People taking complement inhibitor drugs, remedies for rare diseases.

Symptoms of meningococcal disease include fever, headache, stiff neck, photophobia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a dark skin rash. Other signs include not being hungry, confusion, irritability, sleepiness, muscle pain, joint pain, grunting, moaning and difficulty walking or standing upright

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CAUSE

The cause of meningococcal disease is bacterial. It spreads easily between people and is transmitted through mucus. You can get meningococcal disease if you spend time in close contact with someone who already has it.

The bacterium that causes meningococcal disease cannot grow on surfaces because it cannot survive very long outside the body.

Photo: Freepik @kjpargeter

The diagnosis of meningococcal disease is challenging because of symptoms similar to those of other diseases. To diagnose the condition, doctors must find the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria through blood samples and spinal taps, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

These samples are sent to a laboratory for culture, and if they are inconclusive, additional tests may be ordered.

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Treatment

Meningococcal disease is a serious condition that can lead to long-term complications, including deafness, loss of limbs, nerve damage, kidney or brain damage. It is treated with antibiotics, which can be started even before the condition is confirmed.

Other treatments may include oxygen therapy, medications for low blood pressure, and surgery for damaged or dead skin. Despite treatment with antibiotics, between 10 and 15 people in 100 will die, and up to 20% of survivors may have long-term consequences. Recovery may take longer than usual, especially if complications arise.

Prevention methods

To reduce the risk of meningococcal disease, people can get vaccinated and take antibiotics if they are taking complement inhibitors. These drugs treat rare diseases such as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, and generalized myasthenia gravis.

If you live with or are in close contact with someone with meningococcal disease, preventive antibiotics may be recommended. In addition, practicing infection avoidance and prevention measures, such as staying away from sick people, washing your hands thoroughly, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands. All these measures can help prevent meningococcal disease.

Meningococcal disease, despite having less serious symptoms, is essential to be diagnosed and treated in time because it gets worse quickly. See a doctor if you or your child has symptoms, especially a stiff neck, and consider vaccination as a preventative measure.

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