is the presence of ''
Neisseria Meningitidis '' (also known as '''meningococcus''') in the blood stream. It is demonstrated by
Blood Culture .
This
Disease is hard to identify as it can appear in several different forms, depending on which part of the body the
Bacteria invade. There can be
Meningitis or
Septicaemia , or a combination of both.
Most cases of meningococcal meningitis occur in children. Early recognition and treatment of anyone exposed to
Meningococcus is extremely important to prevent serious illness or death.
According to
research , these are typical symptoms of infection. Not all of these symptoms will appear, and not necessarily in this order. Every child with purpuric rash and high fever should be treated as meningococcemia - until proven otherwise.
- Rash, pinpoint red spots ( Petechiae )
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Severe Malaise
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Mental status changes
