Meningococcal / Meningitis Meningococcal/meningitis Causative Agent: 1. Bacteria:meningcoccus, Neisseria Meningitides

Meningococcal / Meningitis Meningococcal/Meningitis Causative Agent: 1. Bacteria:Meningcoccus, Neisseria meningitides 2. Virus 3. Fungi Mode of Transmission: Direct, indirect droplet Incubation period: 2 – 10 days Signs and Symptoms: Abrupt onset with- high fever accompanied by chills - sore throat, headache Entrance into the bloodstream leading to septicemia (meningococcemia) - rash, becoming petechiae later purpura Localization into the meninges - symptoms of meningeal irritation Nuchal rigidity – rigidity of neck Brudzinski’s sign – flexion of both hips and knees when neck flexed Kernig’s sign – resistance to full extension of leg and knee when hip flexed Convulsion Poker spine – rigidity of the spine Increased ICP Altered level of consciousness Diagnostic Examination: Hemoculture – high WBC Lumbar puncture – CSF (high CHON content,WBC) Gram Staining of CSF Treatment: Osmotic Diuretic – Mannitol Anti-inflammatory – Dexamethasone (steroids) Anti-microbial - Chloramphenicol Anti-convulsant- Diazepam CNS stimulant - Nootropil Nursing Care: Symptomatic Prevention: Avoid mode of transmission Rifampicin for exposed individuals