Meningococcal meningitis is a rare type of bacterial meningitis caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidiswhich causes severe inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain, generating symptoms such as very high fever, severe headache and nausea, for example.
Generally, meningococcal meningitis appears in spring and winter, especially affecting children and the elderly, although it can also occur in adults, especially when there are other diseases that cause a decrease in the immune system.
Meningococcal meningitis is curable and treatment should be started as soon as possible to avoid serious neurological consequences that can be life-threatening. Therefore, whenever meningitis is suspected, you should go to the emergency room to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment.
Main symptoms
The most common symptoms of meningococcal meningitis include:
- High fever above 38º;
- Splitting headache;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Stiffness in the back of the neck, with difficulty bending the neck;
- Drowsiness and excessive tiredness;
- Joint pain;
- Intolerance to light and noise;
- Purple spots on the skin.
In babies, meningococcal meningitis can also cause other symptoms such as tense fontanel, agitation, intense crying, body stiffness and convulsions. Since it is more difficult for babies to understand what problem is causing intense crying, it is best to always consult a pediatrician, especially if there are any changes accompanied by fever or changes in the soft spot.
Online symptom test
To find out the chances of having meningitis, please select the symptoms you present:
This test is a tool that serves as a means of guidance only. Therefore, it is not intended to provide a diagnosis and does not replace consultation with an infectious disease specialist, neurologist or general practitioner.
How to confirm the diagnosis
Since meningococcal meningitis is considered an emergency situation, you should go to the emergency room as soon as you suspect a possible infection in the meninges.
The diagnosis of this disease is made by a general practitioner, neurologist or infectious disease specialist by evaluating the signs and symptoms presented by the person, mainly assessing whether there is stiffness in the neck, which is one of the main symptoms of meningitis.
In addition, the doctor may also request other tests to be carried out, such as a urine and blood test and a cerebrospinal fluid culture, a lumbar puncture test to identify whether there is any bacteria in the spinal cord. See all tests to confirm meningitis.
If you are interested, make an appointment with your nearest doctor:
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What causes meningococcal meningitis
Meningococcal meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain, caused by the presence of bacteria Neisseria Meningitidis. Generally, this bacteria first infects other parts of the body, such as the skin, intestine or lungs, and then manages to reach the brain, where it develops and causes major inflammation of the meninges.
In rarer cases, this bacteria can enter directly into the brain, especially if there has been serious trauma to the head, such as in a traffic accident or during brain surgery, for example.
How the treatment is carried out
Meningococcal meningitis can be cured and treatment should be carried out as quickly as possible while admitted to hospital with an injection of antibiotics into the vein, such as Ceftriaxone, for around 7 days.
During treatment, family members must wear protective masks whenever they visit the patient, since the transmission of meningococcal meningitis occurs through respiratory secretions, however, it is not necessary to remain in isolation.
How to protect yourself
Prevention of meningococcal meningitis can be done with the use of meningitis vaccines included in the child’s vaccination schedule, as well as other precautions such as:
- Avoid places with lots of people, especially;
- Keep the rooms of the house well ventilated;
- Avoid closed places;
- Have good body hygiene.
In addition, people who have been in close contact with another infected person should consult a general practitioner to assess the possibility that they have also been affected by the bacteria, starting the use of antibiotics if necessary.
Possible sequels
Since meningitis affects the brain membranes, there is a very high risk of complications such as:
- Loss of vision or hearing;
- Severe brain problems;
- Difficulty learning;
- Muscle paralysis;
- Heart problems.
The sequelae of meningococcal meningitis usually arise when treatment is not carried out properly or when it is started too late. Better understand the possible consequences of meningitis.
Understand a little more about meningitis with biomedical doctor Marcela Lemos:
