Meningococcal prophylaxis is recommended for which groups?

Meningococcal prophylaxis is recommended for which groups?

• A. All household members and close contacts
• B. Only the index patient
• C. Healthcare workers
• D. Family members and very close contacts only

Answer: (D)

Prophylaxis is given to those with close, potential exposure to the patient’s respiratory secretions during the incubation period to prevent secondary cases. The strongest justification is for family members and other very close contacts who had direct exposure to droplets or secretions, such as intimate partners or people with prolonged contact in the same household. Health care workers do not routinely receive prophylaxis unless they had direct exposure to respiratory secretions or droplets from the patient. The patient themselves obviously does not receive prophylaxis. So, the groups that fit the established recommendation are family members and very close contacts. Prophylaxis options include rifampin, ciprofloxacin, or ceftriaxone, chosen based on age and contraindications.

Prophylaxis is given to those with close, potential exposure to the patient’s respiratory secretions during the incubation period to prevent secondary cases. The strongest justification is for family members and other very close contacts who had direct exposure to droplets or secretions, such as intimate partners or people with prolonged contact in the same household. Health care workers do not routinely receive prophylaxis unless they had direct exposure to respiratory secretions or droplets from the patient. The patient themselves obviously does not receive prophylaxis. So, the groups that fit the established recommendation are family members and very close contacts. Prophylaxis options include rifampin, ciprofloxacin, or ceftriaxone, chosen based on age and contraindications.