Meningococcal / Meningitis Meningococcal/Meningitis

Causative Agent:
1. Bacteria:Meningcoccus, Neisseria meningitides
2. Virus
3. Fungi

Mode of Transmission: Direct, indirect droplet

Incubation period: 2 – 10 days

Signs and Symptoms:

Abrupt onset with- high fever accompanied by chills - sore throat, headache
Entrance into the bloodstream leading to septicemia (meningococcemia)
- rash, becoming petechiae later purpura
Localization into the meninges
- symptoms of meningeal irritation
Nuchal rigidity – rigidity of neck
Brudzinski’s sign – flexion of both hips and knees when neck flexed
Kernig’s sign – resistance to full extension of leg and knee when hip flexed
Convulsion
Poker spine – rigidity of the spine
Increased ICP
Altered level of consciousness

Diagnostic Examination:
Hemoculture – high WBC
Lumbar puncture – CSF (high CHON content,WBC)
Gram Staining of CSF

Treatment:
Osmotic Diuretic – Mannitol
Anti-inflammatory – Dexamethasone (steroids)
Anti-microbial - Chloramphenicol
Anti-convulsant- Diazepam
CNS stimulant - Nootropil

Nursing Care: Symptomatic

Prevention:
Avoid mode of transmission
Rifampicin for exposed individuals