Meningococcal in Babies

Caused by bacteria frequently found in the noses and throats of healthy people, meningococcal disease is a serious infection that often affects infants less than a year old. Being aware of the facts surrounding meningococcal disease in infants may help you save your little one's life.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of meningococcal disease in babies include increased irritability, fever, decreased appetite and problems waking up.

Diagnosis

• If you notice that your baby has signs or symptoms of meningococcal disease, contact your little one's doctor immediately for diagnosis, which may include a blood test to check for bacteria.

Treatment

• Meningococcal disease in babies is most commonly treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin, since it's caused by bacteria. Follow your doctor's directions exactly, giving your baby all the required doses to ensure the bacterial infection is completely treated.

Prevention/Solution

• Since meningococcal disease can be transmitted only through direct contact with infected bodily secretions, always use good hygiene habits when caring for your baby. The Indiana State Department of Health suggests that you practice habits such as throwing used tissues away immediately, covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing, and frequent hand washing.

Vaccination

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that high-risk babies and children ages 2 to 11 years receive a single dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), which provides protection for approximately 90 percent of children vaccinated. In certain rare situations, high-risk babies ages 3 months to 2 years may receive two doses of a second vaccine (meningococcal polysaccharide) to provide protection from meningococcal disease.