Invasive Meningococcal Disease
We have already discussed this disease but because this is a serious infection caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, we will discuss this disease again.
Meningococcal disease can present as:
1. Meningitis – this is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord
2. Septicemia – this is a bloodstream infections
In the meningococcal bloodstream infection, the bacteria will enter the blood and damages the walls of the blood vessels and this will result to bleeding in the skin and organs.
Meningococcal disease is among the diseases most feared by parents and doctors because of the narrow time window from diagnosis to treatment.
The disease will progress so rapidly from a healthy to a dead child in as little as 24 hours.
For early diagnosis, Meningococcal disease can be treated with antibiotics. Late diagnosis could be fatal for the child patient. The most effective way to prevent and to control meningococcal disease is through vaccination.
What can happen to a child infected with invasive meningococcal disease (IMD)?
If left untreated, 50% of cases will die and for those who will survive, 1 in 5 survivors will have a terrible and lasting consequences like;
– neurological disability
– limb/ digit amputations
– hearing loss and
– seizures.
Since initially the meningococcal disease will resemble other viral illnesses, it is so challenging to diagnose early.
It takes a high index of suspicion as a physician to diagnose and to treat this invasive meningococcal disease (IMD).
So better be protected! Be vaccinated against IMD and other vaccine preventable diseases.