A hallmark of meningococcemia is the appearance of a petechial rash . As noted above, meningococci have a tropism for the skin, and thus can be found in biopsies of a meningococcal rash. A person with systemic disease will present with spiking fever, chills, arthralgia, and myalgia. The prodrome is either very short or absent. Revaccination is recommended every 3 to 5 years.
Routine vaccination is complicated by the frequent revaccination schedule.
Fauci, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed . Medical Microbiology, 3rd ed.