‘Center of disease control indicated that 15% of those who suffer from this disease ended having brain damage, deafness and neurological problems,

Meningococcal meningitis (meningitis and septicemia) is not a common infection but it does exist causing the membranes to cover the brain and the spinal cord there by causing inflammation of the parts. It is caused by bacteria and viruses. The bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, also called meningococcus, causes meningococcal meningitis. Meningococcus is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children and second cause in adults.

A prompt treatment is needed in case on meningococcal meningitis because of immediate and aftermath complications. Center of disease control indicated that 15% of those who suffer from this disease ended having brain damage, deafness and neurological problems. Meningococcal meningitis can be fatal or cause great harm when prompt treatment is delayed; as 1 out of 5 people who contract the infection have serious complications.
 

It is important to know the symptoms so as to be guided. It can affects kids and adults if there is fluid contact.

The bacteria may cause infection in  parts of the body like the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or respiratory tract. Once the bacteria spreads to the nervous system through the blood stream then meningococcal meningitis occurs. The bacteria can also penetrate into the nervous system after severe head trauma, surgery, or infection. So exposure to the bacteria is the major risk factor. The risk also increases if there had been upper respiratory infection and the kids are at risk here.

The symptoms may vary accordingly as cases differ but the following are the most common ones;

Neck stiffness

Nausea or vomiting

Discomfort in bright lights

Drowsiness or difficulty awakening

Joint pain

Confusion

General poor feeling

Sudden high fever

Severe, persistent headache

Skin rashes of any color is very key sign which should prompt urgent visit to the doctor

Mental changes or behavior

Lethargy or excessive sleepiness

Blotchy skin, turning pale or blue

Shivering, or cold hands and feet

Seizure

Tense or bulging soft spot (in babies)

High-pitched or moaning cry (in babies)

Stiff, jerky movements or floppiness (in babies or toddlers)

Irritability

Fast breathing