Meningococcaemia

Meningococcaemia is a serious disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.

It is commonly transmitted by drops from an infected individual through breathing, sneezing and/or coughing. It invades the bloodstream, affecting the whole organism by causing coagulation disorders and shock.

Initially, there may be few unspecific symptoms such as fever, headache, irritability, muscle pain, nausea and a skin rash with red/purple patches. When its onset progresses, impaired consciousness, areas of bleeding under the skin and shock appear.

The diagnosis is reached through the clinical history, a physical examination, laboratory tests, a cerebrospinal fluid analysis through lumbar puncture, various cultures, and a skin lesion biopsy.

It requires urgent admission to a medical facility, respiratory isolation and early treatment with: intravenous antibiotic and fluid administration, and support measures in the case of organ failure.