Even those who have been vaccinated against meningococcal disease
should be aware of the symptoms in themselves or in others.
Meningococcal disease is often misdiagnosed as something less
serious because early symptoms are similar to the flu. Early
symptoms of meningococcal disease may include sudden onset of
fever, headache and stiff neck. Nausea, vomiting, sensitivity
to light, altered mental status and seizures often accompany
these symptoms. After the disease has taken hold, a rash
may appear.
Left untreated, the disease can progress rapidly, often within
hours of the first symptoms, and can lead to shock, death or
serious complications, including hearing loss, brain damage,
kidney disease or limb amputations. Adolescents and young adults are urged
to seek medical care immediately if they experience two or more
of these symptoms concurrently, or if the symptoms are unusually
sudden or severe. Please contact your health care provider with questions.
