Ralph Vinze D.

C Agarcio
8-Narra

Group 4
MAPEH 8

Meningococcemia
(Myths And Facts about This Blood Infection)
I. Knowing Meningococcemia
Meningcoccemia
- is a bloodstream infection cause by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.
-Infected patients initially experience fatigue, fever, headache, and body aches, similar to those
experienced by people with influenza, including swine flu or bird flu
-As mentioned, the bacterium that causes meningococcemia is called N. meningitidis, also
known as "meningococcus." Meningococcemia may also be called meningococcal bacteremia.
-As the symptoms worsen, shaking chills and high fever occur. Rash is common and appears like
small red dots (petechiae) or a bleed into the skin (purpura) associated with vasculitis. The rash
may appear anywhere on the body, even on the palms or soles or inside the mouth.
II. Myths And Facts
A. Facts
Initially, patients present with fever and general aches. A rash is often present. Patients
with meningococcemia are usually seriously ill.

Complications include shock, failure of multiple organs, lack of circulation to the

extremities, and death. Patients may also develop or present with meningitis.

Meningococcemia is treated with intravenous antibiotics.

Early treatment reduces the risk of complications and death.

Most disease is caused by four types (serogroups) of N. meningitidis. A vaccine is

available to help prevent four of the five serogroups. The vaccine is recommended at 11
years of age, with a booster dose at 16 years of age.
Vaccination is also recommended for people at high risk of getting the infection,
including those with a missing spleen or a specific type of defect in their immune system.
People who travel to areas where outbreaks are occurring should be vaccinated before
travel.

People who have had close contact with an infected patient (for example, a household
member with face-to-face contact, a child's playmate, etc.) should receive antibiotics to
reduce the risk of disease. These "prophylactic" antibiotics should be started as soon as
possible but certainly within two weeks of exposure.

it is important to note that some patients with meningococcemia will develop

meningococcal meningitis. Meningococcemia poses a higher risk of shock and death than
meningococcal meningitis. Thus, although they are defined differently and have different

prognoses, there is significant overlap between meningococcemia and meningococcal

meningitis.

B. Myths
There is no cure for this infection
Meningococcemia is a Non Communicable Disease
Meningococcemia is a disease that the symptoms can be easily diagnosed.
Meningococcemia cannot kill many people because of its complications
Meningococcemia is not fatal.
Here In The Philippines
DOH advises following these measures to avoid getting the disease:

Wash hands frequently with soap and water.

Avoid close contact with meningococcemia patients.
Increase resistance by maintaining a healthy lifestyleincluding a nutritious,
well-balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate rest and sleep, and avoiding
tobacco and alcohol.
Maintain a clean environment.
Do not share utensils, cups, water bottles, lipstick, cigarettes, musical instruments
with mouthpieces, mouth guards, or anything else that has been in the mouth of an
infected person.
Avoid crowded places.