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Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease causes swelling or inflammation of the coverings of the brain and spinal cord and includes a variety of serious infections. Anyone can get meningococcal disease but certain people, including children under 1 year of age, are at an increased risk.
Symptoms
Septicemia: Sudden onset of fever, chills, tiredness, cold hand and feet, vomiting, severe aches in the muscles, joints, chest or abdomen, rapid breathing, and diarrhea; a rash can develop in the later stages.
Symptoms
Septicemia: Sudden onset of fever, chills, tiredness, cold hand and feet, vomiting, severe aches in the muscles, joints, chest or abdomen, rapid breathing, and diarrhea; a rash can develop in the later stages.
Meningitis: Fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, extreme sleepiness, confusion, and irritability. Babies can also experience poor feeding and slow reflexes.
Meningitis: Fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, extreme sleepiness, confusion, and irritability. Babies can also experience poor feeding and slow reflexes.
Spread
Through coming into contact with respiratory secretions of the nose and throat of someone infected with the bacteria (e.g., coughing, sneezing); Usually it takes close, prolonged contact to spread the bacteria. Some individuals can be carriers of the bacteria without experiencing symptoms.
Spread
Through coming into contact with respiratory secretions of the nose and throat of someone infected with the bacteria (e.g., coughing, sneezing); Usually it takes close, prolonged contact to spread the bacteria. Some individuals can be carriers of the bacteria without experiencing symptoms.
Contagious Period
Contagious Period
Bacterial infections: Until 24 hours after effective treatment begins.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: Until the child has been on appropriate antibiotics at least 24 hours and is well enough to participate in routine activities. The child care provider or school may choose to exclude exposed staff and attendees until preventive treatment has started, or if there is concern that individuals will not follow through with recommended preventive treatment.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: Until the child has been on appropriate antibiotics at least 24 hours and is well enough to participate in routine activities. The child care provider or school may choose to exclude exposed staff and attendees until preventive treatment has started, or if there is concern that individuals will not follow through with recommended preventive treatment.
Causes
Causes
The bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis
Incubation
Incubation
It takes one to 10 days, usually less than four days, from the time a person is exposed to the bacteria until symptoms occur.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
Refer to the Kentucky immunization regulations for childhood vaccination schedule.
See a healthcare provider at the first sign of meningitis.
Discuss the following current recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis with your healthcare provider. American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines (2009)
Household and child care center contacts should receive antibiotic prophylaxis as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours of diagnosis of a case.
Pregnant contacts should discuss proper prophylaxis with their healthcare provider.
Exposed contacts should remain under medical observation because prophylaxis is not always completely effective. If your child develops a fever, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Practice good hand hygiene.
Is it Reportable?
Is it Reportable?
Provider: This disease is reportable to the local or state health department.
Parents/guardians: Inform your child care provider if your child has this illness.
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
Meningococcal Disease.pdf
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