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Meningococcaemia in a 9 year and 5-month-old child: A case report
Sri Lankan Journal of Infectious Diseases 15(1) · 2025
https://doi.org/10.4038/sljid.v15i1.8720
Abstract
Meningococcal disease is undoubtedly a fatal infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. It can appear as meningitis and meningococcaemia, the latter posing a greater danger. Here we report a case of meningococcaemia with meningitis in a 9 year and 5-month-old child who had high-grade fever with acute confusion, vomiting, loose stools, non-blanching purpuric rash over the limbs, features of shock, and a positive Kernig’s sign. He recovered with supportive care and early treatment with appropriate antibiotics. In a feverish child appearing unwell, and in shock with a characteristic rash, meningococcal disease must be considered and treatment started immediately. As meningococcal disease can spread rapidly, early diagnosis and contact tracing are also crucial in preventing the disease's spread. The importance of early diagnosis, immediate initiation of treatment, and contact tracing are emphasised in this case report.
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