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Meningococcal meningitis
Antibiotics such as ceftriaxone are prescribed and given through the arm by IV (intravenous line). Other medicines may be used to treat the complications from increased spinal fluid pressure.
Sometimes steroid medication is used, more often in children than adults.
People in close contact with someone with meningococcal meningitis should be given antibiotics to prevent infection. Such people include:
Early diagnosis and treatment is extremely important to prevent serious illness or death. The death rate ranges from 5% - 15%. Young children and adults over 50 have the highest risk of death.
Go to an emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if:
Meningitis can quickly become life-threatening.
Swartz MN. Meningitis: bacterial, viral, and other. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 437.