Rash in meningococcal infection: the doctor explained when urgent help is needed

The rash can be one sign of a generalized form of meningococcal infection, a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention. This was told by the Russian infectious diseases doctor, therapist Ekaterina Stepanova, writes sb.by.

According to the specialist, meningococcal infection is not always accompanied by meningitis. Sometimes the disease manifests itself only with a rash, and sometimes rashes occur simultaneously with inflammation of the membranes of the brain.

“When meningococcal rash develops infectious-toxic shock, which is life-threatening even with timely treatment. Therefore, it is a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention. Within 24 hours, a person should definitely be in the hospital, said Ekaterina Stepanova.

The doctor noted that meningococcal infection is characterized by a hemorrhagic rash, which looks like microbleeds in the skin.

“To see if it is a hemorrhagic rash or not, take a regular glass and lean against the skin. If the rashes do not disappear with pressure - this is a particularly alarming sign, but in any case, with fever and rashes, you should not hesitate, the specialist said.

Meningococcal infection and a number of other diseases can be transmitted by airborne and contact-domestic means. It is important to avoid close contact with the patient, do not use common dishes and observe hygiene rules. If an infection is suspected, medical care should be called immediately, concluded Ekaterina Stepanova.

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