General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
In France, call 15 or 112 immediately if red or bruise-like skin marks do not fade under pressure. Symptoms of meningitis require hospital care. Preventive measures for people around the patient must not delay that care.
When an invasive meningococcal infection is diagnosed, the doctor or laboratory professional reports it without delay to the regional health agency, known as the ARS. The agency identifies people whose contact with the patient warrants individual prevention.
The doctor and the ARS determine who needs these measures. Describe the actual circumstances of contact, how close it was and the dates you remember. This information helps the assessment; being in the same place does not let you decide on treatment yourself.
Preventive antibiotics may be prescribed for relevant contacts to prevent the disease from developing. This responds to an exposure assessed by the medical team. Follow its individual instructions without choosing an antibiotic yourself or waiting for symptoms to appear.
In some situations, vaccination complements antibiotic prevention. Its role depends, in particular, on the type of meningococcus and whether there is an isolated case or several linked cases. The doctor and health authorities decide on appropriate measures for contacts.
If you are identified as a contact or a professional asks you to be assessed, promptly follow the pathway given by the doctor or the ARS. Clarify which measures apply to you and what other information is needed. This medical contact takes priority over a routine vaccination or prevention appointment.
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