Chemoprophylax close contacts

Close contacts defined as family, friends, students, staff who are likely to have had direct exposure to respiratory secretions of index case within exposure period.

Family members prophylaxed at hospital

Other home contacts identified and prophylaxed

Students at school NOT prophylaxed since case was reported on 3/17 and effective prophylactic action not possible before 3/20, thus placing the remaining period of exposure to 10 days prior to 3/20 or 3/10. The index case was home during this period (he reported ill at school and was sent home on 3/9).

Although students at school might have been exposed to the index case, prophylaxing would have served no purpose. It was too late (3/10 and beyond) for chemoprophylaxisto to have an effect on disease progression, and exposed students who were susceptible to develop meningococcal infection would have shown signs and symptoms of the disease before 3/20.

Town hall meeting

For important events to be communicated to and discussed with parents and the community, the high school organizes town hall meeting held in the evening at the high school auditorium.