Meningococcal disease Flashcards
How is it transmitted?
Respiratory droplets, nasopharyngeal secretions (not easily spread)
What is the incubation period?
2-10 days but usually 3-4 days
Who carries it?
Humans are only known reservoir
Naturally carried by 10-24% of population (causes no harm)
Is it a notifiable disease?
Confirmed or probable cases should be reported for immediate public health action
What contact tracing is involved?
Identify close contacts in the last 7 days
Given chemoprophylaxis - prevents throat carriage to prevent them spreading it to others
Offer vaccinations to unvaccinated close contacts
What vaccines are available and when are they used?
Men A+C polysaccharide - used for travel to Africa and in epidemics, only gives short term protection, not effective in children under 2
Men C conjugate - gives long term immunity, given as routine vaccine to children in UK, give to close contacts
Men ACWY - used for Hajj
Group B vaccine - difficult to produce, lots of strains, given to infants now but may be limited efficacy
Who else might PHE need to inform?
School/nursery/university
Standard letter to warn and inform
Leaflets and support
When does a cluster most likely occur?
In teenagers/youths in schools/universities
Is there seasonal variation?
Yes - October-May in northern hemisphere, due to colds weakening immune system or coughing making spread easier
Where are the different types most common
In Europe - B+C
In Africa/Asia - A+C
Meningitis belt
In Africa
Huge epidemics of A+C disease
SYNDROMIC approach to treatment
Outbreaks at Hajj pilgirmage
What are the causes of the meningitis belt outbreaks?
Dry season (DEC-JUN), URTI, overcrowded housing, local immunity in pharynx, population displacement
How can Africa deal with epidemics?
Active surveillance
Mass vaccinate during epidemic
Rapid lab identification of disease
