The symptoms of meningitis C appear between 2 and 10 days after the person's contact with the bacterium responsible for this disease, Neisseria meningitidis, however the order and intensity of symptoms may vary from person to person, which prevents the diagnosis being quickly.
The main symptom of meningitis C is neck stiffness, which can be accompanied by nausea, fever, headache and the presence of spots on the skin that can spread throughout the body with the progression of the disease.
C meningitis is a type of bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis characterized by inflammation of the meninges and may leave sequelae or lead to death if treatment is not started promptly. Learn more about C. meningitis.
Main symptoms
The most characteristic symptom of meningitis C is the stiffness at the nape of the neck that results in difficulty in touching the chin in the chest. In addition, there are symptoms of meningitis C:
- High fever;
- Headache;
- Large or small spots on the skin;
- Mental confusion;
- Sore throat;
- Vomiting;
- Nausea;
- Somnolence;
- Difficulty to wake up;
- Joint pain;
- Irritation;
- Photophobia;
- Tiredness;
- Lack of appetite.
When you notice these symptoms it is important to refer the person to the hospital as soon as possible so that the treatment is started and the chances of complications decrease.
The diagnosis of meningitis is made from the observation of signs and symptoms presented by the person and is confirmed by the lumbar puncture examination, which consists of laboratory analysis of a small amount of fluid that is withdrawn from the spinal cord.
How is the treatment done?
The treatment for meningitis C is done in hospitalization and with the use of antibiotics, since the transmission of this bacterium to other people is very easy, being necessary to keep the person in isolation until it does not represent risk of contagion. In addition, hospitalization is important for medical staff to monitor the patient's health status and thus avoid complications. See what are the sequelae of meningitis.
The best way to prevent C meningitis is through vaccination, which can be done from 3 months of age and should be reinforced in children up to 4 years of age and in adolescents between 12 and 13 years of age. Learn more about the vaccines that protect against meningitis.
