For this specific disease, there are many, many symptoms. The main effect of this bacterium is infection in different parts of the body. For example, this infection can spread to the different parts of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or even the respiratory tract. …show more content…
A reddish or purple skin rash is another possibility that can develop. One thing to check if the rash is a sign of blood poisoning is if a glass is pressed against it and it does not turn white, then the rash could be a sign of blood poisoning (CDC). There also more symptoms of this disease. These include “tense or bulging soft spot (mostly in babies), high-pitched or moaning cry (again mostly in babies), stiff, jerky movements or floppiness (usually in babies or toddlers), irritability, fast breathing, lethargy or excessive sleepiness, blotchy skin, turning pale or blue, shivering, or cold hands and feet, and seizure,” …show more content…
In a hospital, various tests can be run that can confirm a diagnosis of meningococcal meningitis. If a patient tests positive, then a doctor may start intravenous antibiotics, such as penicillin or ceftriaxone. This disease may also require other medication to treat problems in relation to increased spinal fluid pressure. A doctor will also sometimes prescribe steroids. There are many trials and experiments on going in order to figure out what kind of steroids are the best for help to overcome the disease and if a better form of medication is available.
The best chance of survival is always taking preventive measures prior to diagnosis of the disease – namely, receiving a vaccination. In the U.S., there are a couple different types of meningococcal vaccines used. Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) is the overarching term for it. One of these vaccines is named Menactra and is approved for use in people ages 9 months to 55 years. Another type of vaccine is called Menveo and is approved to be used in those ages 2 through 55