Meningococcal infections (Neisseria meningitidis) are diseases with high rates of death and disability worldwide. The disease progresses rapidly and aggressively. 1.2 million meningococcal infections are observed annually and approximately 135,000 of these cases die. Meningococcal bacteria causes meningitis (brain membrane infection) and meningococcemia (neisseria meningitidis bacteria entering the blood) in children. Meningococcal infections result in 70% mortality in the absence of strong antibiotics, and in survivors, they cause hearing loss, hydrocephalus (water accumulation inside the head), loss of limbs, seizures, paralysis and mental retardation.
Risk group; Under 1 year of age is infancy, adolescence and over 65 years of age is old age. The agent is transmitted through droplet infection and its frequency increases in late winter and early spring. The most common serotypes of N. meningitidis that cause disease in humans are A, B, C, Y, X and W-135. Between 2005 and 2012, W-135 (38.1%) and B (26%) were detected most frequently in our country.
Fever and hemorrhagic skin rashes are important. These lesions can be seen all over the body, especially in the legs and arms.
Diagnosis: Clinic is very important in the diagnosis of meningococcal infections. Meningococcal infections should be considered in every patient presenting with fever and petechiae. For a definitive diagnosis, blood culture and cerebrospinal fluid should be taken and a culture (CSF CULTURE) should be performed.
The duration of treatment for meningococcal infections should be 5-7 days. Early treatment of meningococcal infections prevents the development of serious permanent damage. Patients should be monitored in intensive care, and complications such as shock and brain edema should be detected and treated in a timely manner.
Control measures (chemoprophylaxis): With close contact, the patient's household, school or kindergarten friends and oral Those who come into direct contact with their secretions (kissing) are meant. Hospital staff are not at particular risk. The only exception here is those who do mouth-to-mouth respiration or are exposed to the patient's secretions in any way. Normal patient care does not cause problems. Chemoprophylaxis should be started as soon as possible. Prophylaxis should be given within the first 24 hours.
MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINES
Multiple It is important that these vaccines can be administered on the same day to people who need to be administered different vaccines, in order to ensure patient compliance and immune response.
***Rule for all vaccinations must be given either on the same day or 4 weeks apart (at least 21 days)***
*** Finally, we can be vaccinated against meningococcal infections, which are life-threatening and can result in death in a short time, by getting vaccinated. Please let's not neglect it. For the health of our children… Stay healthy…
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