Meningococcal Infections
Alternate Names : Neisseria Meningitidis Infections
What are the treatments for the infection?
Meningococcal infections are treated with antibiotics, including:
cefotaxime
ceftriaxone
chloramphenicol
penicillin
Other treatments may be used to treat complications, such as low blood pressure or bleeding problems.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Antibiotics may cause stomach upset, rash, or allergic reactions.
What happens after treatment for the infection?
The person's close contacts will need to be alerted and treated with
antibiotics. Most people recover completely and need no further treatment or
monitoring. Others may have permanent problems, such as hearing impairment, that require further treatment. Death
is possible if treatment is delayed or unsuccessful.
How is the infection monitored?
A person with a meningococcal infection is usually kept in the hospital for a few days. Once a
person is better, he or she may be able to finish taking the antibiotics at
home. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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