Guidance for public health management of meningococcal disease in the UK

The 'Public Health Laboratory Service (HPA) Meningococcus Forum' set up a Working Group to review the guidance for control measures published in 2002. Changes in epidemiology of meningococcal disease, the advent of new vaccines and new evidence on risk and control measures are incorporated and changes to the previous 2002 guidelines are highlighted throughout the text for ease of recognition. Reccomendations are graded according to level of evidence. The guidelines address pre-admission management, investigation of suspected cases, the role of public health, and PH action after a single case, prophylaxis in health care settings and management of clusters.