A common question and concern when a case of meningococcal infection is reported.

Explain the notion of "carrier". People are not familiar with this notion but understand when explained.

Emphasize that it is not fully understood why a carrier develops meningococcal infection (plausible: damage to mucosa due to smoking, respiratory infection, dry/hot climate; compromised immunity; possible change in virulence of bacteria, other), to address hidden fears (how come that a healthy young person becomes suddenly seriously ill without warning), and feelings of culpability among parents/family of cases (could I have prevented the illness? did I do the right thing?)

Transmission

- Respiratory secretions

2. Close contacts (a close contact is a person who has been in direct contact with the respiratory secretions-coughing, sneezing of index case).

3. No transmission from close contacts (exposed to index case: inner circle) to other contacts (exposed to close contacts: outer circle).

4. Deal with questions about other forms of transmission in the school environment. For example: index case has swam in swimming pool, has drunk from a water fountain, has sneezed on his/her desk, has touched other objects, was in the same school bus as my child. Important to clarify no transmission in these circumstances and no need to prophylax people thus exposed.

- Print Sources:

1. Fact sheet Meningococcal Infections. Montgomery County Health Department (call: 610-278.511&).

2. ACIP. Prevention and Control of Meningococcal Disease and Meningococcal Disease and College Students. MMWR, June 30, 2000, vol 49, No. RR-7

- Web Links:

Click: health topics A-Z

Click: Meningitis-bacterial or Meningococcal Disease: fact sheet for the public

Click: Technical Information: fact sheet for health care providers

Click: Additional Information: list of publications/guidelines and list of other web links

Click: epidemilogy

Click: Bacterial Meningitis: fact sheet for the public