Meningococcal

Question 1

For meningococcal, state:

- What it is, mention subgroups and its incubation period

Answer 1

• Serious illness caused by infection with Neisseria meningitidis, of which there are several subgroups (A, B, C,W &Y)
• Usually causes meningitis and/or septicaemia

Incubation period:
• 4 days (can range between 2 – 10 days)

Question 2

For meningococcal, state:

- How it is spread

Answer 2

• Transmitted from person-to-person contact
• 5-25% of population carry meningococcal bacteria at the back of the nose and throat without showing illness or symptoms

Question 3

For meningococcal, state:

• General signs and symptoms (9)
• Less specific symptoms (3)

Answer 3

• Fever
• Headache
• Neck stiffness
• Joint pain
• Rash of red-purple spots or bruises
• Photophobia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Not all symptoms may present at once.

Children may have less specific symptoms including:
• Irritability, high-pitched crying
• Poor reflexes e.g. difficulty walking
• Refusal to eat
Inactivity

Question 4

For meningococcal, state:

- Prevention and treatment

Answer 4

• Several vaccinations against meningococcal disease are available
• Vaccines do not protect against all serogroups of meningococcal disease
• Avoid sharing utensils and cups
• Cover mouth when coughing/sneezing
• Treatment
• Urgent treatment with antibiotics
• Usually started before the diagnosis and confirmed by tests