Which of the following is a potential long-term complication from meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease can lead to several serious complications due to its nature as a severe bacterial infection. One of the potential long-term complications is amputations. This can occur because meningococcal infection may cause severe blood vessel damage and result in necrosis (tissue death), particularly in cases where there is widespread septicemia (blood poisoning). The drastic measures of amputation may be necessary to remove dead or infected tissue to prevent further systemic complications.

Other symptoms like headache, stiff neck, and photophobia are commonly associated with the acute presentation of meningococcal disease, indicating infection-related symptoms like meningitis. However, they are not classified as long-term complications, as these symptoms are generally associated with the immediate effects of the infection rather than chronic or lasting problems that emerge after recovery. Therefore, the potential for amputations highlights the severe adverse outcomes that can arise from this disease beyond its initial presentation.