Meningococcemia

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Meningococcemia is an acute (sudden onset) infection of the bloodstream and developing vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.

Meningococcal septicemia; Meningococcal blood poisoning; Meningococcal bacteremia

Neisseria meningitidis frequently lives in the upper respiratory tract without causing visible signs of illness. Some event is thought to trigger the onset of aggressive behavior of the bacteria, and sporadic cases of meningococcemia and meningococcal meningitis appear.

Family members and those closely exposed to an infected individual are at increased risk. The infection occurs more frequently in winter and early spring. It is transmitted from person to person by respiratory droplets.

Review Date: 11/21/2005
Reviewed By: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.