Some event is thought to trigger the aggressive behavior of the organism and sporadic cases of Meningococcemia and Meningococcal meningitis appear. Family members and those closely exposed to an infected individual are at increased risk. The estimated annual incidence in the U.S. is about 1 out of 100,000 people. The infection occurs more frequently in winter and early spring and is most common in children under 5 years old. It is transmitted from person to person by droplet spread.
Rifampin is the antibiotic of choice.
Children over 1 month old get 20 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, children under 1 month old get 10 mg per kilogram of body weight per day for 4 days. Patients are admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital. Intensive monitoring and treatment are needed. Clotting factors or platelet replacement may be needed if bleeding disorders develop. When shock develops, the outcome is more guarded.