Meningococcemia is an acute and potentially life-threatening infection of the bloodstream.
Meningococcemia is caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. The bacteria often live in a person's upper respiratory tract without causing visible signs of illness. They can be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. For example, you may become infected if you are around someone with the condition and they sneeze or cough.
Family members and those closely exposed to someone with the condition are at increased risk. The infection occurs more often in winter and early spring.
There may be few symptoms at first. Some may include:
- Muscle pain
- Rash with red or purple spots
Later symptoms may include:
- A decline in your level of consciousness
- Large areas of bleeding under the skin
Exams and Tests
Blood tests will be done to rule out other infections and help confirm meningococcemia. Such tests may include:
Other tests that may be done include:
Meningococcemia is a medical emergency. People with this infection are often admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital, where they are closely monitored. They may be placed in respiratory isolation for the first 24 hours to help prevent the spread of the infection to others.
Treatments may include:
- Antibiotics given through a vein immediately
- Breathing support
- Clotting factors or platelet replacement, if bleeding disorders develop
- Fluids through a vein
- Medicines to treat low blood pressure
- Wound care for areas of skin with blood clots
Early treatment results in a good outcome. When shock develops, the outcome is less certain.
The condition is most life-threatening in those who have:
- A severe bleeding disorder called disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC)
- Kidney failure
Possible complications of this infection are:
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Go to the emergency room immediately if you have symptoms of meningococcemia. Call your health care provider if you have been around someone with the disease.
Preventive antibiotics for family members and contacts are often recommended. Speak with your health care provider about this option.
A vaccine that covers some, but not all, strains of meningococcus is recommended for children age 11 or 12. A booster is given at age 16. Unvaccinated college students who live in dormitories should also consider receiving this vaccine. It should be given a few weeks before they first move into the dorm. Talk to your provider about the appropriate use of this vaccine.
Meningococcal septicemia; Meningococcal blood poisoning; Meningococcal bacteremia
Stephens DS. Neisseria meningitidis infections. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds.Goldman's Cecil Medicine
Stephens DS, Apicella MA. Neisseria meningitidis. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases
Update Date 12/7/2014
Updated by: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.