Meningococcal infection is an acute infectious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria, and only humans suffer from this infection. The source of infection can be a sick person or a carrier of meningococcus. Carriers are the most dangerous, since they can infect others without getting sick themselves.
Susceptibility to meningococcal infection is universal, but children under 5 years of age who have no or insufficient immunity are more often affected. It is transmitted by airborne droplets (coughing, sneezing, talking). From the moment of infection to the onset of the disease, from one to 10 days pass - this is the latent period of the disease.
The first signs of meningococcal infection are the same as those of a common cold. Inflammation of the nasopharynx is the most common form of meningococcal infection, which develops when meningococcus enters the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. The disease is manifested by nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, headache, cough, and sore throat. With this mild form, recovery usually occurs within 3-5 days. If a person’s immune system is weakened, the microbe enters the blood and then a more severe form of infection develops - meningococcemia (meningococcal sepsis). In this case, the disease begins acutely, in the midst of complete health, with an increase in body temperature to 40-41ºС, which is accompanied by a sharp headache, uncontrollable vomiting is possible, which does not bring relief, pain in the muscles and joints. A characteristic sign of meningococcal sepsis is a star-shaped rash, mainly on the extremities, buttocks, and lateral surfaces of the torso.. This form of meningococcal infection can occur at lightning speed, over a short period of time and be fatal. When meningococcus penetrates the patient's brain and spinal cord, inflammation of the meninges occurs and meningitis or meningoencephalitis develops. Due to the fact that children are more likely to suffer from meningococcal infection, parents should remember that in case of cold symptoms they can be a source of disease for their child. Therefore, when the first signs of the disease appear, it is necessary to use gauze masks. Do not self-medicate under any circumstances; if someone in the family gets sick, immediately call a doctor at home or an ambulance. The sooner qualified medical care is provided, the faster and more effective the recovery results will be.
Remember: ventilate the premises more often, carry out wet cleaning, avoid contact with people with colds! This is the only way you can protect yourself.
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