Small child died as a result of a meningococcal infection

Meningococcal death: small child dies of infectious disease

In Hesse, a small child has died as a result of a meningococcal infection. The local health department calls on all people who had contact with the child to be prophylactically treated with antibiotics.

Death from meningococcal infection

In a nursery of the core community Lindenfels in the district Bergstraße (Hesse) a meningococcal infection (type B) has occurred. According to a statement from Bergstraße, the sick child died on Friday. According to the information, the health department of the district "promptly took all necessary measures". According to this, "all designated persons who had contact with the ill child were identified at the weekend." It is also said: "They were strongly recommended to have prophylactic antibiotic treatment in order to rule out the risk of another meningococcal disease." there is no further suspicion.

In a nursery in southern Hesse, a meningococcal infection has occurred. The ill child died. Persons who had contact with him are called for medical treatment. (Image: k_rahn / fotolia.com)

Bacteria are usually transmitted by droplet infection

Meningococci are bacteria that settle in the nasopharyngeal space of humans, where they are detectable in about ten percent of the population without any signs of clinical symptoms, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).

The pathogens occur worldwide, "in Europe in particular in the spring and winter months," writes the Bergstrasse in a leaflet.

They are most commonly transmitted by droplet infection. The bacteria are released into the air when speaking, coughing or sneezing in small droplets from the nasopharynx and can be inhaled from a short distance.

In addition, the pathogens can be transmitted even in close contact with patients as a smear infection, for example, by touching the nasal secretion. Outside the body, the bacteria die quickly.

Infection often leads to blood poisoning or meningitis

According to health experts, two forms of meningococcal disease can occur individually or together:

Meningococcal diseases are meningitis in about two-thirds of cases. In about one third of cases, the course is characterized by sepsis, "writes the RKI on its website.

The onset of the disease is usually very sudden and progressing rapidly.

For symptoms, seek medical help quickly

Symptoms such as headache, neck stiffness or nausea can occur during an infection.

Other complaints of meningitis include fever, photosensitivity, chills and a clouded state of consciousness, such as a strong drowsiness or dizziness.

Anyone can contract a meningococcal infection. Most often, however, it affects infants in the first year of life, toddlers or adolescents.

"Between the infection and the onset of the disease usually passes three to four days. However, the incubation period can also be in the range of two to ten days, "says Bergstraße.

Already in suspected meningococcal infection, sufferers must be immediately in medical care! The infection is treated with antibiotics. For several years, a vaccine against the fatal disease is available. (Ad)