1. INTRODUCTION

The aim of this document is to outline an approach to the management of a case of meningococcal disease, in order to strengthen the knowledge of the organism, the disease, the management of cases and contacts and encourage an appropriate public health response.

The key sources of information in this document were the following:

1. WHO Fact sheet No. 141 Meningococcal Meningitis, May 2003
2. Guidelines for the public health management of meningococcal disease in the UK PHLS September 2002.
3. Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 18th edition ed: David Heymann, 2004 American Public Health Association
4. The Craigavon Infection Control Manual. N Damani/J Keyes
5. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)- Prevention and Control of Meningococcal Disease, May 27th 2005.