Guidelines for public health management of meningococcal disease in the UK

Abstract

Following changes in the epidemiology of meningococcal disease, the advent of new vaccines, and with new evidence on risk and control measures, the Public Health Laboratory Service Meningococcus Forum set up a Working Group to review the guidance for control measures in the UK. This review is based on available evidence, and recommendations are graded according to the level of evidence on which they are based. These guidelines cover pre-admission management, investigation of suspected cases, the role of public health, public health action after a single case, prophylaxis in healthcare settings, and management of clusters. Detailed revised recommendations are presented on the use of antibiotics before admission to hospital, the rationale and indications for chemoprophylaxis, and the use of new vaccines. Links to relevant websites are included.