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Meningococcal septicaemia requiring contact prophylaxis — SCE Acute Medicine MCQ

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HardInfectious diseasesMeningococcal septicaemia requiring contact prophylaxisSCE Acute Medicine

A student with probable meningococcal septicaemia has received immediate resuscitation and antibiotics. Three household contacts are waiting in the department. What public-health action is required?

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Correct answer: B — Notify health protection for contact prophylaxis

The best answer is “Notify health protection for contact prophylaxis”. This is correct because close contacts may need prompt antibiotic prophylaxis and, depending on the strain and context, vaccination. Public-health specialists define the exposure group; indiscriminate campus treatment is inappropriate. Notification and risk reduction must not wait for culture confirmation or recovery of the critically ill patient.

Reference: UKHSA meningococcal-disease public-health guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/meningococcal-disease-guidance-on-public-health-management