Meningococcal Infection

Generalities
Agent	Bacteria: Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), Gram negative diplococci - 12 serogroups have been identified - Six serogrouprs are responsible of invasive infection: A, B, C, W135, X, and Y.
Incubation period	2-10 days, commonly 3-4 days
Period of transmissibility	Cases should be considered infectious from exposure until 24 hours after starting treatment of prophylaxis with appropriate antibiotics with substantial concentrations in oro/nasopharyngeal secretions
Reservoir	- Humans - Asymptomatic carriage in nasopharynx is common.
Modes of transmission	- Person-to-person transmission by direct contact with respiratory droplets of infected people - Most cases acquired through exposure to asymptomatic carriers
Clinical presentation	- Bacterial meningitis - Septicaemia: rare ans severe with purpura - Complications: cerebral lesions, hearing loss, learning disorders among 10-20% of survivors - Case fatality: 8-15% despite treatment
Resources
Case definition	- MOPH circular no. 63 (2007) - MOPH circular no. 72 (2003): contacts
Forms	- Meningitis reporting form - Meningitis investigation form
Data	- Weekly report