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OVERVIEW
Meningococcal disease is a contagious illness that can cause infection to the brain membrane, nerve damage and blood poisoning.
Causes
Meningococcal disease is an infectious disease caused by contracting the Neisseria meningitidis bacterium. It can be passed between individuals through saliva (coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks and food, kissing, etc.)
Symptoms
- Vomiting
- High temperature
- Stiff neck
- Head ache
- Muscle and joint aches
- Skin rashes
- Sensitivity to light
Treatment
- Antibiotics
- Hospital care
Prevention
- Avoid sharing food and drink
- Have good hygiene – wash hands after going to the bathroom and before eating food
- Meningococcal disease vaccination
Meningococcal is a serious disease that can result in brain damage or death. Symptoms need to be treated immediately.
If your child has the above symptoms, contact your general practitioner immediately, visit your local Accident & Emergency clinic or head to the nearest hospital emergency department.
VIDEOS
RESOURCES & SUPPORT
Local
Ministry of Health
Kidshealth.org.nz – Meningitis
Health Education resource – Meningococcal Disease
The Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand
International
NHS – Meningitis
Meningitis Trust
Best Health Journal
RESEARCH
British Medical Journal
Journal of the American Medical Association
The Lancet
FORUMS
eHealthForum – Meningitis
Topix.com – Meningitis
DISCLAIMER
The information above is of a general nature and is designed to provide you with an overview of the topic, with links to local and international resources that may be of interest. We do our best to ensure that this information is accurate and up to date.
You should always, however, seek specific professional medical advice, treatment and care appropriate to you, and as such we strongly recommend you consult with your general practitioner first.
Updated April 2012
Image source: Wikimedia Commons – Meningitis
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