Meningococcal infection is an acute infectious disease caused by the meningococcus (Neisseria meningitidis). The disease is widespread globally and is associated with a high mortality rate (5-15%), even with a high level of medical care. The infection is transmitted only from person to person via respiratory droplets. The incubation period lasts from 2 to 10 days. Epidemics of the disease most often occur in the winter and spring months. The younger the child, the higher the risk of fatality. Therefore, vaccination against meningococcal infection is the best way to protect children's health.
The local form includes nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the oropharynx). The onset of the disease closely resembles that of ARVI. The child experiences an increase in body temperature, develops a runny nose, feels a tickle in the throat, and has swollen lymph nodes. The site of inflammation is primarily located on the posterior wall of the pharynx. In many cases, meningococcal nasopharyngitis does not progress to a generalized form of the disease—meningococcemia and/or meningitis.
Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infectious disease affecting the membranes of the brain. The disease begins acutely, with initial symptoms including a temperature rise to 38-40°C, chills, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), and often inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat. The child becomes lethargic, sometimes accompanied by fussiness and irritability. During the examination, the child's pale skin becomes noticeable. The child complains of severe headaches, often accompanied by vomiting. Due to the development of brain swelling, consciousness may be altered within the first hours of the illness, leading to seizures. Characteristic meningeal symptoms appear quite early: the head is thrown back due to rigidity of the neck muscles, and hyperesthesia is observed with every movement or touch. If the child is seated, they will lean on their arms that are thrown back. In infants, the fontanelle is tense, and there is marked hyperesthesia; when attempting to place the infant on their feet, they do not bear weight but pull their legs up (Lesser's sign).
Meningococcemia (meningococcal sepsis) is one of the severe forms of generalized meningococcal infection. It begins unexpectedly, with a rise in temperature to 39-40°C and pronounced intoxication. Symptoms include headaches, muscle pain, and pale skin. After a short time, a maculopapular rash appears on the skin without specific localization. A few hours later, a hemorrhagic ("starry") rash appears on the skin of the buttocks, thighs, lower legs, and lower half of the torso. This form of infection affects many organs and leads to infectious-toxic shock. This variant of the disease often progresses rapidly. The outcome depends on the child's age and the form of the disease (the more severely the organ systems are affected, the worse the prognosis). The younger the child, the higher the mortality rate.
Timely emergency assistance is crucial to prevent the development of the disease. The rapid progression of meningococcal infection often leads to death within 1-2 days from the onset of symptoms or to severe consequences, even with early diagnosis and optimal treatment. Therefore, immunization using safe and effective vaccines is the only rational approach to combating meningococcal infection. Currently, many countries, including the United Kingdom, Austria, Spain, the Netherlands, and the USA, have mandatory vaccinations for children against meningococcal infection included in their vaccination schedules. In Ukraine, this vaccination is part of the recommended vaccinations. Additionally, for children traveling to summer camps abroad, this vaccination is mandatory for obtaining a medical certificate.
As of today, the children's medical centers of MM "Dobrobut" have a sufficient supply of meningococcal infection vaccine.
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