Favorable outcome after life-threatening meningococcal disease complicating influenza A(H1N1) infection.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Neurological complications of influenza A(H1N1) have been reported in several patients since the onset of the pandemic in 2009. However, meningococcal disease complicating influenza A(H1N1) has not been reported. PATIENTS Two patients were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) for altered mental status, fever, and rapidly spreading petechial purpura. They were diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis and/or meningococcemia and influenza A(H1N1) co-infection. CONCLUSIONS: Meningococcal disease presenting as meningitis and/or meningococcemia is among the potential complications of influenza A(H1N1) infection. Physicians should be aware of this co-infection, as it must be detected and treated promptly with antibiotics in addition to supportive care.