It takes 1 to 10 days from the time a person is exposed to the bacteria for symptoms to occur. The infection is diagnosed by culturing the patient's blood or spinal fluid. People sick with meningococcal disease require hospitalization. People who have had close contact with a person who has meningococcal disease are given an antibiotic medicine. The usual medicine given is rifampin .
Rifampin lowers their risk of developing the disease.
Rifampin does not give absolute protection against the disease. Therefore, any person who develops symptoms such as fever or headache must be evaluated by a health professional immediately. Prevention Avoid sharing food, drinks, cigarettes, or eating utensils. Wash hands before and after eating. Wash hands after coughing or sneezing.