Prevention of Neisseria meningitidis
Neisseria meningitidis causes approximately 3000 cases of invasive disease annually in the United States. A high rate of nasopharyngeal carriage occurs in household contacts of persons with invasive disease. During an epidemic (a situation that is more common outside of the United States), secondary attack rates in family members may be as high as 4% to 5%. Following a sporadic case of meningococcal disease, the secondary attack rate is approximately 3 per 1000 household members.
Chemoprophylaxis has been very effective in preventing secondary spread of infection, especially if used within 24 h of diagnosing a primary case. Groups that become carriers and should receive chemoprophylaxis are the most likely to have had contact with the oral secretions of a case of invasive meningococcal infection.
