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<img decoding="async" style="width: 100%;" src="https://pyt-storage.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/photo_from_old_pyt/forms/a6740deeb69ddb12a1a48a3450adf6a5.jpg" alt="Meningococcal Disease" />
Meningococcal Disease is a disease caused by bacteria that cause inflammation of the meninges and spinal cord. The bacteria is called Neisseria meningitidis, which is a gram-negative bacterium, round-shaped like a bean, arranged in pairs with the flat sides facing each other, and does not form spores. There are 5 groups of pathogenic bacteria: A, B, C, Y, and W-135. This bacteria is found in the throats of healthy people without causing disease in about 5% of the population. Only a small portion of those infected develop symptoms, but the disease is severe and has a high mortality rate. It occurs sporadically throughout the year and occasionally outbreaks occur in some areas.
<h2 style=" color: #008080;">Incubation Period of Meningococcal Disease</h2>
Approximately 2-10 days, with an average of 3-4 days
<h2 style=" color: #008080;">Period of Infectiousness of Meningococcal Disease</h2>
Those who can spread the bacteria are carriers (detected bacteria but no symptoms) and patients. They can spread the bacteria until the bacteria are no longer detected in nasal mucus or saliva. Generally, the bacteria disappear from the nasopharynx within 24 hours after receiving appropriate antibiotics.
<h2 style=" color: #008080;">Transmission of Meningococcal Disease</h2>
This disease is transmitted through droplets from nasal mucus, saliva, or other secretions by close contact via the respiratory tract. The bacteria cause the disease in various forms as follows:
<ul>
<ul>
<li style="">Asymptomatic or mild symptoms: The bacteria grow in the nasopharynx causing mild localized inflammation, usually without symptoms. Most cases are found in this group.</li>
<li style="">Bacteria spread through the bloodstream or septicemia (Meningococcemia)</li>
<li style="">The bacteria enter the bloodstream, where blood supplies many capillaries. Patients develop rashes and bleeding under the skin. In severe cases, bleeding occurs in the intestines and adrenal glands.</li>
<li style="">The bacteria invade the meninges, causing meningitis.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h2 style=" color: #008080;">Warning Signs of Meningococcal Disease That Require Immediate Medical Attention</h2>
It starts with a sudden high fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, possibly accompanied by red rashes and petechiae (pink macules) on the skin, and may rapidly progress to shock. Most patients present with two main symptoms:
<ul>
<ul>
<li style="color: #008080; ">Meningococcemia</li>
</ul>
</ul>
Acute symptoms include headache, sore throat, cough, followed by high fever, chills, joint and muscle pain, especially in the legs, and red petechial rashes appearing on the body within 2-3 days. The rash may darken and become black scabs, sometimes with blisters having red spots in the center. Most rashes appear 24-48 hours after fever onset.
Chronic symptoms are rare, mostly involving fever, skin rashes such as petechiae, joint pain, and swelling lasting for months with intermittent fever.
Severe symptoms include circulatory failure, which may lead to shock and death shortly after symptom onset. Most cases start with sudden high fever, extreme fatigue, and rapid death due to widespread blood vessel constriction. Meningitis symptoms are often absent because the disease progresses rapidly and leads to death.
<ul>
<li>Meningitis presents with fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, and confusion. Symptoms worsen rapidly. Signs of meningeal irritation may be observed. Some patients have petechial rashes on the skin.</li>
</ul>
<h2 style=" color: #008080;">Prevention of Meningococcal Disease</h2>
<ul>
<ul>
<li style="">Avoid contact with secretions from the mouth or nose of patients or carriers.</li>
<li style="">Avoid crowded places such as cinemas, entertainment venues, etc.</li>
<li style="">Vaccination.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h2 style=" color: #008080;">Meningococcal Vaccines</h2>
The meningococcal vaccines available in Thailand can protect against 4 strains: A, C, Y, and W-135. However, the most common strain in Thailand is strain B, for which there is currently no vaccine. Therefore, during outbreaks of the 4 vaccine-preventable strains, vaccination is recommended in the following cases:
<ul>
<li style="">People traveling to countries where this disease is endemic, such as countries in Africa or the Middle East, should be vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.</li>
</ul>
There are two main types of meningococcal vaccines:
<ul>
<ul>
<li style="">Polysaccharide Vaccine marketed as Menomune, contains purified extracts of the meningococcal capsule from 4 strains: A, C, Y, and W-135. This vaccine is effective in preventing meningococcal infection of types A and C in children over 2 years old and adults. Immunity against type C in children under 2 years is less effective. The polysaccharide vaccine is not clearly effective against types Y and W-135 for all age groups.</li>
<li style="">Conjugate Vaccine is a newer meningococcal vaccine that provides longer-lasting immunity. Marketed as Menactra, a product of Sanofi Pasteur, it combines protein with polysaccharides from the capsules of 4 strains: A, C, Y, and W-135. It is used to prevent meningococcal infection in individuals aged 2-55 years.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
The polysaccharide vaccine is administered subcutaneously, while the conjugate vaccine is given intramuscularly, both as a single dose.
<h2 style=" color: #008080;">Who Should Not Receive the Vaccine or Should Delay Vaccination</h2>
<ul>
<ul>
<li style="">Those who have had severe reactions to this vaccine before, are allergic to any vaccine components, or allergic to latex (a component of the vaccine container).</li>
<li style="">Immunocompromised individuals, such as those on steroids for more than 2 weeks, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, HIV patients with advanced disease or severe immunodeficiency, should consult a doctor before vaccination.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h2 style=" color: #008080;">Possible Side Effects After Receiving the Meningococcal Vaccine</h2>
After vaccination, there may be pain, swelling, redness, and warmth at the injection site, which usually resolves within 2-3 days. If there is pain or swelling, apply a cold compress. If fever occurs, take appropriate antipyretics. If side effects are severe or worsen, consult a doctor immediately and provide detailed information about the symptoms.
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For more information, contact the Internal Medicine Center and Vaccine Center, 1st Floor, Building A Phyathai 2 Hospital Tel. 02-617-2444 ext. 4104, 4106 Phyathai Call Center 1772

Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria that lead to inflammation of the meninges and spinal cord. Only a small portion of those infected develop symptoms of the disease, but it is severe and has a high mortality rate. It is sporadically found throughout.

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