Meningococcal Septicaemia (Paediatric)

• Suspected meningococcal septicaemia
PPE
Confirm Meningococcal Septicaemia
Typical purpuric rash
Evidence of septicaemia - Headache, fever, joint pain, altered conscious state, hypotension and/or tachycardia

MICA IV Access?

Yes Ceftriaxone 50mg/kg IV - Dilute with water for injection (9.5ml) to make 10ml - Administer slowly over 2 minutes

No   • Unable to gain • Not IV accredited Ceftriaxone 50mg/kg IM - Dilute with Lignocaine 1% HCL (3.5ml) to make 4ml - Administer into upper lateral thigh

Special Notes

A typical purpuric rash may be subtle in some cases and present as a single ‘spot’ only.

The presence of rapid onset symptoms of sepsis +/- rash may be a sign of Meningococcal Septicaemia.

Meningococcal is transmitted by close personal exposure to airway secretions/droplets.

Ensure face mask protection especially during intubation/suctioning.

Ensure medical follow up for staff post exposure.

General Care

Ceftriaxone preparation - Dilute Ceftriaxone 1g with water for injection (9.5ml) to make 10ml and administer 50mg/kg IV over approximately 2min. (NB 1ml = 100mg)

If unable to obtain IV access, or not accredited in IV cannulation, dilute Ceftriaxone 1g with 1% Lignocaine HCL (3.5ml) to make 4ml and administer 50mg/kg IM into the upper lateral thigh. (NB. 1ml = 250mg)