Meningococcal diseas is a complex illness indeed. It is definitely an extreme bacterial infection and it can definitely kill within hours of contracting it. Meningococcal can appear in various forms:
1) Meningitis: Where the lining of the brain and spinal chord are inflammed. It's symptoms include fever, fatigue, severe headaches, painful neck, sensitivity to light. Meningitis can also be broken up into bacterial, fungal or viral forms but, meningococcal only involves the bacterial form. This form of meningococcal can cause permanent disabilities and has the potential to cause death.
2) Septicemia: This occurs when the bloodstream becomes infected with the bacteria and go into frienzied reproduction. This ultimately damages blood vessels, which is, in the final stages, visible through the skin, making it look somewhat bruised. It's symptoms include high fever, vomiting, cold hands and feet, fatigue, severe aches and pains, fast breathing and diarrhoea. This form of the disease can lead to death within hours and if not death, can leave permanent disabilities. Severe scaring and the amputation of limbs, due to lack of blood circulation throughout the ordeal, can also occur.
Any other form of meningococcal is a combination of the above two forms, all of which can cause death.
So how is this terrible disease transmitted?
The answer lies in human saliva. Meningococcal bacteria can be carried in our nose and throat without harming us and can be transmitted via coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing drinks. Virtiually any action that will involve the carriers saliva being ingested by another person. Fortunately, the bacteria don't live long outside the body and can only be harmful if the victim is unimmunised against the strain they have encountered.
It is also useful to note that winter and spring are the more flourishing times for this disease, because coughs and colds are more prominent in these seasons. In addition, the many flus which are transmitted create low immune systems, a good time for meningococcal to strike.
How can meningococcal be prevented?
There are vaccines available for meningococcal but it would be desirable to take the necessary precautions into account, especially when socialising i.e. Don't exchange intimate kisses with just anyone, Don't share drinks, lipsticks/glosses, mouthguards, cigarettes. Mothers also shouldn't suck a baby's dummy before inserting it in their mouth.
If you would like to know more about meningococcal, visit the following website:
http://www.meningococcal.com.au/index.html
You can never be too careful!