Neisseria Meningitidis (Meningococcus): Signs & Symptoms von John Fisher, MD

What is the typical incubation period for Neisseria meningitidis?

A 19-year-old college student recently went hiking with his dormitory friends in the mountains of the southeastern part of America. He now presents to the emergency room with fever, malaise, and a full body non-blanching petechial rash. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. Lumbar puncture and blood cultures have been sent to the laboratory. Which of the following diseases are the most likely diagnoses to be considered?

What is the approximate case-fatality rate of meningococcus meningitis?

A 2-year-old child is brought to the emergency department for a one-day history of lethargy, poor feeding, and episodes of vomiting. He had been tugging on his left ear for the past several days. He appears ill. On physical examination, he has a fever and is mildly tachycardic. Inspection of the neck shows nuchal rigidity. In the left ear, there are signs of otitis media. He does not have any rash. A lumbar puncture appears abnormal on the initial review. Which of the following organisms is most likely to be found in the cerebrospinal fluid?

A 72-year-old man is brought in from the nursing home for increased lethargy and altered mental status from his baseline. Caretakers note that he has not had any fevers, but hasn't been eating well and appears to be moving more slowly than usual and avoiding turning his head. He does not have any rash. Lumbar puncture confirms meningitis. Which of his symptoms is most predictive of mortality from this illness?