It is important to seek out medical attention instantly if meningococcal disease is suspected. It can be lifesaving and can lessen the effects of the disease if urgent hospitalization and treatment with antibiotics can be done.
If you or somebody you know has come into close contact with someone who has meningococcal meningitis (via saliva or other oral secretions) at school, work, or home, it is significant to get antibiotics to prevent infection.
The person may be unable to breathe by themselves in other cases. They will be put on a ventilator which will breathe for them and they will be given sedative medications if this occurs.
These are some tests used to aid diagnosis of the disease:
Blood tests. Blood tests will be done to recognize causative bacteria, to scan the functions of body systems and to observe if there’s any sign of infection somewhere.
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap). This test involves a needle inserted into the part of the lower spine, then laboratory tests will be conducted to recognize what bacteria has caused the infection.
Computerised tomography (CT scan). The specialist will conduct a special scan of the brain to see if there’s any damage. Children are given a small amount of sedation to ensure they lie still during the test.