How is meningococcal disease transmitted?
Meningococcal disease is contagious. It is transmitted through close and prolonged contact with mucus from an infected person. Symptoms include a rash and fever. Meningococcal can affect people of all ages, but can be prevented with vaccination.
How does meningococcal Septicaemia occur?
Bacterial meningitis occurs when bacteria infect the lining of the brain (the meninges) and the spinal cord. Meningococcal septicaemia – or blood poisoning – occurs when the bacteria in the blood multiply uncontrollably.
How does meningococcal enter the bloodstream?
The illness occurs when the bacteria break through the protective lining of the nose and throat, and enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, they multiply rapidly, doubling their numbers every 30 minutes. In some people the bacteria cross the blood-brain barrier, causing meningitis.
Where does meningococcal bacteria come from?
Meningococcal bacteria are difficult to spread. They are only passed from person to person by close, prolonged household contact (living in the same house) or intimate contact with infected secretions from the back of the nose and throat (such as deep kissing).
What part of the body does meningococcal affect?
Meningococcal meningitis is a rare but serious bacterial infection. It causes the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed. Each year, approximately 1,000 people in the U.S. get meningococcal disease, which includes meningitis and septicemia (blood infection).
Is meningococcal Septicaemia the same as sepsis?
Septicaemia is when bacteria enter the bloodstream, and cause blood poisoning which triggers sepsis. Sepsis is an overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death.
Is meningococcal meningitis airborne?
Bacterial meningitis is NOT spread through casual contact or the airborne route; however, some bacteria can be spread by close contact with respiratory droplets (e.g., in daycare centers).
What is meningococcal infection?
Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to serious blood infections. When the linings of the brain and spinal cord become infected, it is called meningitis. The disease strikes quickly and can have serious complications, including death.
Where is meningococcal disease common?
Meningococcal disease occurs worldwide, with the highest incidence of disease found in the ‘meningitis belt’ of sub-Saharan Africa. In this region, major epidemics occur every 5 to 12 years with attack rates reaching 1,000 cases per 100,000 population.
Where is meningococcal bacteria found?
Overview of meningococcal disease Meningococcal bacteria live naturally in the back of the nose and throat in about 10 per cent of the population without causing illness. These people are known as ‘carriers’.
What is the difference between meningitis and meningococcal disease?
What is the difference between bacterial meningococcal disease and viral meningitis? Bacterial meningococcal disease, including meningococcal meningitis, usually has a more sudden onset and is a more severe illness than viral meningitis.