What Causes Petechiae?

Meningococcemia

Meningococcemia first occurs in the respiratory tract and causes a host of unpleasant symptoms like nausea, fever, muscle pain, headache, as well as petechiae. The infection comes from the same bacteria responsible for meningitis. Meningitis occurs when the bacteria infect the protective coverings of the spinal cord and brain. Meningococcemia, on the other hand, occurs when the bacteria infect the blood without infecting the nervous system. Some individuals develop both infections simultaneously, with the bacteria first entering the blood and then passing into the nervous system. The bacteria commonly exist in the upper respiratory tract without causing illness symptoms. But if they do cause an infection, it's a medical emergency that must be treated immediately. Research indicates ten percent of individuals might carry the bacteria without an infection. If an infection develops, it's typically spread through sneezing and coughing. The most vulnerable individuals are children younger than four years old, who make up about half of all cases worldwide.

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