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Meningococcal Disease in
Washington State
DOH has received between
40 and 80 reports of meningococcal disease annually during
recent years. During 1987–2006, 1374 meningococcal isolates
from Washington patients were serogrouped. Of these, 60%
were serogroup B, 25% were serogroup C, 13% were serogroup Y
and 2% were serogroup W-135.
Purpose of Reporting and Surveillance
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To identify persons who have been
significantly exposed to the index case, in order to
recommend antibiotic prophylaxis (chemoprophylaxis) and
to inform them about signs and symptoms of illness.
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Under very rare circumstances, to
recommend prophylactic immunization in a defined
population or community.
Legal Reporting Requirements
immediately notifiable to
local health jurisdiction.
Hospitals:
immediately notifiable
to local health jurisdiction.
Laboratories:
Neisseria
meningitidis
notifiable to local health jurisdiction within 2 work
days; specimen submission required.
Local health
jurisdictions: notifiable to Washington State Department
of Health (DOH) Communicable Disease Epidemiology
Section (CDES) within 7 days of case investigation
completion or summary information required within 21
days.
Last
update
Dec. 2007
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