Meningococcal infections are treated with antibiotics, including:
Other treatments may be used to treat complications, such as low blood pressure or bleeding problems.
Antibiotics may cause stomach upset, rash, or allergic reactions.
The person's close contacts will need to be alerted and treated with antibiotics. Most people recover completely and need no further treatment or monitoring. Others may have permanent problems, such as hearing impairment, that require further treatment. Death is possible if treatment is delayed or unsuccessful.
A person with a meningococcal infection is usually kept in the hospital for a few days. Once a person is better, he or she may be able to finish taking the antibiotics at home. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.