infections
Meningococcal Infections
Introduction
Meningococcal infections are caused by the Overview of Bacteria (meningococci) and include meningitis and sepsis. Infection is spread by direct contact with nasal and throat secretions. People feel generally ill and have other often serious symptoms, depending on the area infected. Identifying the bacteria in blood or in a sample taken from infected tissue confirms the diagnosis. Vaccination can help prevent meningococcal infections. Antibiotics and fluids must be given intravenously as soon as possible. More than 90% of meningococcal infections are Introduction to Meningitis : Sepsis and Septic Shock : Infections of the lungs, joints, eyes, heart, rectum, and organs of the reproductive and urinary systems may occur but are less common. In temperate climates, most meningococcal infections occur during winter and spring. Local outbreaks can occur, most often in sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal to Ethiopia. This area, which includes 26 countries, is known as the meningitis belt. Meningococci reside in the throat and nose of some people without causing symptoms. Such people are called carriers. People often become carriers after outbreaks. However, infection usually occurs in people who have not been exposed previously to meningococci, rather than in carriers. Infection is spread by direct contact with nasal and throat secretions of an infected person (including carriers). Themost commonly infectedpeople are Children aged 6 months to 3 years (see also Meningitis in Children ) Infections are also more common among Adolescents and young adults (16 to 20 years of age) Military recruits College freshmen living in dormitories Travelers to places where meningococcal disease is common People living with HIV infection People whose spleen has been removed or damaged (drugs that block a component of the immune system called the Complement System ) Microbiologists working with meningococci Close contacts of people who have a meningococcal infection Other factors that may increase risk of a meningococcal infection include getting a viral infection, living in a crowded household, having a chronic illness, and smoking or being exposed to cigarette smoke (passive smoking). Outbreaks of meningococcal infection are rare in the United States and account for only a small percentage of cases. Outbreaks tend to occur among people who spend time in or live in close quarters with others, for example, in dormitories, schools, or day care centers, and most often involve people 16 to 23 years of age. 