What is Meningococcal?

Meningococcal disease is an acute bacterial infection that can cause death within hours if not recognised & treated in time. In Australia there are 5 main strains of the disease, four of which have vaccinations available now from your doctor.

• Meningococcal A, C, Y & W strains, have vaccinations available
• Meningococcal B strain currently does not have a vaccination available, although the TGA is reportedly reviewing a potential vaccine.

Lucas was incredibly lucky to come through this alive with only a few small scars but I know that is not always the case. Today, even with antibiotic treatment, the mortality rate is high sitting at 10%. With approximately 10-20% of survivors being left with permanent disabilities ranging from learning difficulties, sight & hearing problems to liver and kidney failure, scarring caused by skin grafts and loss of fingers, toes & limbs.

One of the reasons meningococcal is so hard to identify is that is can appear in several different forms, depending on which part of the body the bacteria invade. The disease mainly occurs as meningitis or septicaemia, or a combination of the two.

Meningococcal Septicaemia - blood poisoning (the one Lucas was diagnosed with):

• This is the more dangerous & deadly of the two illnesses.
• It happens when the bacteria enter the bloodstream & multiply uncontrollably, damaging the walls of the blood vessels and causing bleeding into the skin (resulting in the distinctive rash).
• Septicaemia can lead to death within hours, or permanent disabilities such as severe scarring due to skin grafts and amputation of fingers, toes, arms or legs - due to lack of blood circulation to the limbs.

Meningococcal Meningitis (bacterial):

• it is the inflammation of the brain & spinal cord.
• There are many different forms of meningitis including fungal, viral & bacterial. Its only the more serious form which may be involved in meningococcal disease.
• Meningococcal meningitis can result in permanent disabilities such as deafness or brain injury - and in some cases may cause death.

*Information taken from:
http://meningococcal.org.au
www.ncirs.edu.au



*Please note, I AM NOT a doctor or health professional. The information on this site has been sourced from other websites. This site is about our son's journey through meningococcal - not anyone else's, if you require any information or medical help please contact your local health professional or hospital. We take no responsibility for advice taken from this story, as I said this is OUR story.
We are not affiliated with any websites, charities or hospitals mentioned on here - we just appreciate the work that they do, more than they will ever know.