Meningococcal Disease
What is Meningococcal Disease? (Meningococcal Disease) Meningococcal disease is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to severe infection very quickly and may become life-threatening within a short time.
8,800 THB / set
What is Meningococcal Disease? (Meningococcal Disease)
Meningococcal disease is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to severe infection very quickly and may become life-threatening within a short time.
Incubation Period
♦ The incubation period is approximately 2–10 days (most commonly 3–4 days).
Symptoms can worsen rapidly within just a few hours.
How It Spreads
♦ The disease can spread through:
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Contact with respiratory secretions such as mucus, saliva, or sputum
Symptoms
Early symptoms may resemble the flu, such as:
• High fever
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle aches
It may then progress to severe conditions, including:
Meningitis
• High fever
• Stiff neck
• Vomiting
• Severe headache
• Drowsiness
• Loss of consciousness
Bloodstream Infection (Septicemia)
• High fever
• Purple rash / bleeding spots
• Cold hands and feet
• Shock
• Organ failure
In Young Children
• Unusual crying
• Lethargy
• Poor feeding
Serious Complications
♦ The disease can progress rapidly and may cause death quickly.
The mortality rate is approximately 10–15%.
♦ 1 in 5 survivors may experience permanent disability or long-term health effects, such as:
• Loss of arms or legs due to severe infection
• Learning and memory problems from brain damage
• Hearing loss
• Seizures
• Behavioral problems
High-Risk Groups
• Infants from 2 months old and above (immune system still developing)
• Teenagers and students living in crowded settings such as dormitories or universities
• People with weakened immune systems, such as:
– Organ transplant recipients
– People taking immunosuppressive medication
– People without a spleen
– People living with HIV
Prevention
♦ Reduce the risk of infection by:
• Avoiding contact with mucus or saliva from infected individuals
• Avoiding crowded places when possible
Another important prevention option is vaccination.
Types of Meningococcal Vaccines
► Type 1: Meningococcal B Vaccine (MenB)
A major strain commonly found in Thailand.
Suitable For:
• Infants aged 2 months and older
• Teenagers and students living in dormitories
• People with weakened immunity
• Those wanting protection against strains commonly found in Thailand
