Invasive Meningococcal Disease

Treatment

How is invasive meningococcal disease diagnosed? What is the treatment?

Diagnosing invasive meningococcal disease

Invasive meningococcal disease is diagnosed based on symptoms and laboratory test results.

Only your health care provider can diagnose invasive meningococcal disease using laboratory test results and examining your physical symptoms. See your doctor early if you suspect you may have meningitis since early treatment is more effective. Your health care provider must report all cases of invasive meningococcal disease to your local health authority.

Treating invasive meningococcal disease

Invasive meningococcal disease is treated with antibiotics for three to seven days.

You may need medication if you have been exposed to invasive meningococcal disease:

  • through an infected household member
  • through an infected contact at daycare
  • through an infected nursery school contact, or
  • through oral secretions (from someone's mouth who is infected)

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