There may be a petechial or purpuric rash on the trunk and limbs that may sometimes cover large areas of the body. In fulminating cases, there is sudden prostration and shock associated with the characteristic rash and this condition has a high fatality rate. Chronic meningococcal septicaemia can also occur with febrile episodes, skin rashes and eeting joint pains. In the absence of prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, acute meningococcal infections have a high case fatality rate, especially in children. Epidemics of Groups A, B or C disease have occurred in different countries and, in Australia, Group A outbreaks have occurred among Aboriginal communities in central Australia.
Most cases occur in winter and spring, and the infection is more common in children under ve years.
In young adults outbreaks typically occur in crowded living conditions, such as in military barracks and institutions. The worldwide incidence of meningococcal infections has been rising in recent years. Method of Diagnosis Diagnosis is usually made on clinical grounds confirmed by laboratory tests. Blood and CSF culture. If treatment has been given before a blood or CSF sample is taken, a throat swab should be done.