Meningococcemia
Meningococcemia is an infection caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. This is the same type of bacteria that can cause meningitis. When the bacteria infect the membranes that cover your brain and spinal cord, it’s called meningitis. When the infection remains in your blood but doesn’t infect your brain or spinal cord, it’s called meningococcemia. Neisseria meningitidis bacteria are common in your upper respiratory tract and don’t necessarily cause illness. Although anyone can get meningococcemia, it’s most common in babies, children, and young adults. An infection by Neisseria meningitidis, whether it becomes meningitis or meningococcemia, is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
Usually it is penicillin or cephalosporins. If you are exposed to a patient with meningococcemia, you need to take ciprofloxacin for prophylaxis.