Among articles of general interest in this issue is an article about meningococcal disease. Australian Prescriber answers some common questions relating to this disease. Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacteria. Infection can cause meningitis. The common symptoms are severe headache, vomiting, drowsiness and fever.
Some patients develop a distinctive purple rash.
These key symptoms have an abrupt onset and a very rapid progression. Meningococcal disease is a medical emergency. The patient must see a doctor urgently and antibiotics should be given as soon as possible. The risk of secondary cases of meningococcal disease developing, though low, is greatest in the first week. It is important that all persons who had been in contact with the patient are identified and given treatment to prevent infection.