How can meningococcal disease be prevented?
Risk of transmission of meningococcal infection can be reduced by practicing good hygiene. Persons should cover their noses and mouths when sneezing or coughing and discard used tissues promptly. Wash hands thoroughly following exposure to respiratory secretions. To avoid exposure, persons should not share cigarettes, straws, cups, glasses or eating utensils. Eating and drinking utensils can be used by others only after they have been washed.
It is recommended that household contacts and others who have had close personal contact with infected persons receive a short course of certain antibiotics, which kill bacteria living in throat secretions. Since the recommendations for use of preventive antibiotics vary according to the specific situation, it is best to consult a physician or local health department for advice. Even if an antibiotic is taken, close contacts should be observed and any sign of disease promptly evaluated by a physician.
Meningococcal vaccine is effective on certain types of Neisseria meningitidis but is only recommended when there is a high incidence of cases in a limited geographic area and for persons traveling to countries where epidemics are in progress.
It is recommended that health care providers routinely vaccinate persons age 11 to 18 years with meningococcal vaccine to improve vaccination coverage in this age group. College freshmen living in dormitories are at increased risk for meningococcal disease and, if not previously vaccinated, they should be vaccinated before entering college.
