Extras

Outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis typically occur in small clusters throughout the world.  There has been a substantial world response to the disease, particularly in third world areas—the distribution of vaccines to all 1-29 year olds, in the African Meningitis belt (located in the sub-Saharan area).

Treatment? Support Groups?

Antibiotics are the most common treatment of meningococcal meningitis infections.  Hospitalization is required in some of the more extreme cases, where supplemental oxygen or blood transfusions are necessary.  In some cases, family members who were in contact with the infected individual are also given antibiotics.

However, the most effective means of controlling the disease is prevention.  There are three types of vaccines: ones that work as polysaccharides, membrane proteins, and conjugate vaccines.  A new vaccine for meningococcal meningitis, called MCV4, is readily available and recommended for teens and adolescents.  It is very much recommended that students entering college receive the vaccine due to the characteristics of the college lifestyle.

There exists a National Meningitis Association which endeavors to spread awareness of the disease.  In addition, several support groups are available to those afflicted, including Meningitis Angels.

Immune System Response?

It is unknown how the immune system attempts to defend the body against Meningococcal Meningitis, or if it is even capable of doing so.  However, the symptoms of infection indicate immune response: this includes fever, stiff neck, confusion/delirium, vomiting, muscle pains, sleepiness, a rash in children, teens and adults.  The disease affects babies differently:  babies experience fever, hysteria, lethargy, vomiting, swelling of the head, a rash.

So....What is the Bacteria Like?

This is what the bacteria looks like.

Because the bacteria affects the regions around the brain and spinal cord, it is related to the Central Nervous System.  It is transmitted through close contact with infected individuals, for example, kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone, living in close quarters, or sharing eating/drinking utensils.  The bacteria is then typically carried in the throat, overwhelms the body’s immune system and is then able to infect the blood stream and therefore the brain.  It is unknown why this is able to happen.

Is Meningococcal Meningitis Bacterial or Viral?

Meningococcal Meningitis is a bacterial form of meningitis which ordinarily can be either bacterial OR viral.  There are several different bacteria that can cause meningitis, the most prevalent/common of which is Neisseria Meningitidis.

What the Heck IS Meningococcal Meningitis??

Meningococcal Meningitis is a serious bacterial disease that affects the thin tissue lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord.  If left untreated, this form of meningitis is almost always fatal.  It is very prevalent around sub-Saharan Africa and in 2009 accounted for 5,325 deaths in 14 countries.  Luckily, however, there is a readily available vaccine out that can prevent the contraction of this awful disease.