Symptoms usually start 3 to 4 days after exposure to the meningococcal bacteria, but this can vary from as early as 2 days to as late as 10 days. If this happens, see a doctor as soon as possible, preferably at the nearest hospital emergency room. Meningococcal infection is suspected when someone has a fever, stiff neck, and pain on bending their head forward. Culturing the blood and cerebrospinal fluid grows the bacteria, proving that they are meningococcal, and allows the strain type to be determined. Yes, meningococcal meningitis is treated with antibiotics.
Most patients recover completely.
The earlier treatment is begun, the better it works, so it is important that the diagnosis be made as early as possible. It is difficult to prevent sporadic meningococcal infections, ie, the infections that just happen when meningococcus in someone s throat suddenly becomes invasive. Casual social contacts of the patient People who have been in the same office, work-place, classroom, car, train, bus, etc. Friends, family, and other personal contacts are usually contacted by their local Health Unit. We have a vaccine that prevents infection by the A, C, Y, and W-135 strains of meningococcus, but not strain B. The vaccine doesn t work well in children under 2 years old and not at all in children under 3 months old, probably because their immune systems are not mature enough.