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Alternative Names Return to top
Meningococcal meningitisDefinition Return to top
Meningococcal meningitis is an infection that causes swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
See also:
Causes Return to top
Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis (also known as meningococcus).
Most cases of meningococcal meningitis occur in children. Meningococcus is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children and the second most common cause of bacterial meningitis in adults.
The infection occurs more often in winter or spring. It may cause local epidemics at boarding schools, college dormitories, or military bases.
Risk factors include recent exposure to meningococcal meningitis and a recent upper respiratory infection.
Symptoms Return to top
The disease may come on quickly, and may start with an upper respiratory infection or sore throat.
Symptoms include:
Exams and Tests Return to top
Physical examination will show:
For any patient with meningitis, it is important to perform a lumbar puncture ("spinal tap"), in which spinal fluid (known as cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF) is collected for testing.
Tests may include:
Treatment Return to top
Antibiotics such as ceftriaxone are prescribed and given through the arm by IV (intravenous line). Other medicines may be used to treat the complications from increased spinal fluid pressure.
Sometimes steroid medication is used, more often in children than adults.
People in close contact with someone with meningococcal meningitis should be given antibiotics to prevent infection. Such people include:
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Early diagnosis and treatment is extremely important to prevent serious illness or death. The death rate ranges from 5% - 15%. Young children and adults over 50 have the highest risk of death.
Possible Complications Return to top
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Go to an emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if:
Meningitis can quickly become life-threatening.
Prevention Return to top
All family and close contacts (especially in health care or school settings) of people with this type of meningitis should begin antibiotic treatment as soon as possible to prevent spread of the infection. Ask your health care provider about this during the first visit.
Close contacts in the same household, school, or day care center should be watched for early signs of the disease as soon as the first case is diagnosed. Always use good hygiene habits, such as washing hands before and after changing a diaper, or after using the bathroom.
Vaccines are effective for controlling epidemics. They are currently recommended for:
References Return to top
Swartz MN. Meningitis: bacterial, viral, and other. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 437.
Update Date: 9/28/2008 Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, PhD, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
