What is meningococcal septicaemia?
Meningococcal septicaemia is a type of blood poisoning which is caused by the same bacteria that cause the most common form of bacterial meningitis. It is the more life-threatening form of the disease. With septicaemia, the bacteria relese toxins into the blood which break down the walls of the blood vessels allowing blood to leak out under the skin. This leaking causes marks on the skin-a rash of red or brownish pin prick spots which develop into purple bruises, blood blisters, or blood spots. It also reduces the amount of blood reaching vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.

TREATMENT
Septicaemia can be treated. They develop extremely rapidly, it is important to get medical help quickly. It can kill very quickly if not recognised and treated in time.


septicaemic rash on conjuctiva



Early stages of septicaemia


severe stage of meningococcal septicaemia

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