Droplet / Contact Precautions
Encapsulated gram negative diplococci.
Normal flora. Humans are the reservoir.
Quadrivalent vaccine prevents disease by serogroups A/C/W-135/Y.
Occurs in outbreaks particularly in crowded settings.
Colonizer and cause of invasive disease:
Meningitis
Meningococcemia
Rarely:
Pneumonia
Septic arthritis
Pericarditis
Conjunctivitis
Others
Contact and droplet precautions until 24hrs of appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Prophylaxis may be required for close contacts and healthcare workers.