Chapter 136. Meningococcal Infections (Part 9)

Antimicrobial Chemoprophylaxis The attack rate for meningococcal disease among household or other close contacts of cases is 400-fold greater than that in the population as a whole. Close contacts of cases should receive chemoprophylaxis with rifampin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, or azithromycin (Table 136-1). A single IM injection of ceftriaxone is also effective. Close contacts include persons who live in the same household, day-care center contacts, and anyone directly exposed to a patient's oral secretions. Casual contacts are not at increased risk. Chemoprophylaxis should be administered as soon as possible after the case is identified. Patients with meningococcal disease who have been...