MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE CAN BE A SERIOUS THREAT

Although uncommon, meningococcal disease can progress rapidly and potentially lead to death within just 24 hours.1,2

Between 10% and 15% die from complications associated with meningococcal disease despite appropriate treatment.3

Up to 1 in 5 survivors suffer permanent consequences—including seizures/neurological problems, loss of limbs, kidney damage, hearing loss, skin scarring, and brain damage.1,4-6

5% to 10% of people are asymptomatic carriers of Neisseria meningitidis, the bacterium that causes meningitis. Although asymptomatic carriage is common, few carriers develop invasive meningococcal disease. For the majority of people, carriage is an immunizing process that results in systemic, serogroup-specific protective antibody response.3,7

Time After Onset of Symptoms2,*

Time After Onset of Symptoms: 0-8 hours

Headache, sore throat/coryza, thirst, general aches, and fever

Headache, sore throat/
coryza, thirst, general aches,
and fever

Time After Onset of Symptoms: 9-12 hours

Decreased appetite, nausea/vomiting, leg pain, and irritability

Decreased appetite, nausea/
vomiting, leg pain, and
irritability

Time After Onset of Symptoms: 13-20 hours

Rash, drowsiness, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, neck stiffness, cold hands and feet, photophobia, and abnormal skin color

Rash, drowsiness, difficulty
breathing, diarrhea, neck
stiffness, cold hands and feet,
photophobia, and abnormal
skin color

Time After Onset of Symptoms: 21-24 hours

Confusion/delirium, unconsciousness, seizure,† and death

Confusion/delirium,
unconsciousness, seizure,†
and death

Hypothetical case in an individual aged 15-16 years.

*Hours expressed as medians.

†Seizure was noted at a median of 26 hours.

Data were obtained from parents of test subjects via questionnaire (n=313) or interview with a study investigator (n=135). Parents were asked at what time of day their child’s symptoms began, as well as the time of appearance of predefined clinical features. Additional data were obtained from medical records for the course of illness before admission to the hospital in 448 children (≤16 years of age) with meningococcal disease (345 nonfatal cases; 103 fatal). Diagnosis was confirmed with microbiologic techniques in 83% of cases (n=373). The remainder of the children (n=75) were probable cases.2

SEE CDC RECOMMENDATIONS

Vaccination may not protect all recipients.

CDC=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.