MENINGOCOCCIC INFECTIONS IN AN ARMY STAGING AREA: ANALYSIS OF 63 CASES WITHOUT FATALITY FROM THE STANDPOINT OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

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Abstract
63 consecutive cases of meningococcal infections were treated at an Army post of embarkation hospital during the period from July 4, 1942, to July 4, 1945. This group represents the total incidence in slightly over one million processes seasoned troops. The disease was sporadic in oc-curence. Diagnosis is frequently difficult and delayed in inter-epidemic periods. The value of early signs and symptoms in establishing a diagnosis is emphasized. Therapy is most effective during the first 24 hrs. All patients, regardless of their clinical appearance, must be considered seriously ill and treated accordingly. Intraven. therapy is the most rapid and satisfactory means of securing a therapeutic sulfon-amide effect. Sodium sulfadiazine is recommended as the drug of choice for initial medication in all cases of meningococcal infection regardless of severity. Sulfadiazine and its Na salt were the only chemotherapeutic drugs used. The av. total dose per patient was 54.7 g. No correlation was found between blood sulfadiazine concs. and the clinical response obtained. Complications due to the disease and toxic reactions following the use of sulfadiazine were negligible. All patients were returned to duty. No fatalities occurred among the 63 cases reported.

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