The prescription comes too late when the disease has gained strength by long delays.

OVID (43 BC–18AD)

REMEDIA ANORIS

Acquisition of the gram-negative diplococcus Neisseria meningitidis can result in asymptomatic pharyngeal colonization or invasive disease. Meningitis is the most common disease presentation and meningococcal septicemia, also called meningococcemia, is the most devastating form of meningococcal disease, with a high case-fatality rate. Meningococcemia is a medical emergency. Early recognition is essential so that appropriate antibiotic therapy and supportive care can be promptly instituted because irreversible shock and death may ensue within hours after the onset of symptoms. Meningococcal infections are contagious and household contacts of a patient should be treated with an antibiotic effective in eradicating mucosal carriage.