An infection caused by meningococcus bacterium, which causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Most cases occur in children from infancy to adolescence. The onset may be rapid, and may follow an upper respiratory infection . The infection occurs in winter or spring, and may cause local epidemics at boarding schools or military bases.
Risk factors are exposure to meningococcal meningitis, and recent upper respiratory infection.
The incidence is 1 out of 1,000,000 people. Prevention Close contacts in the same household or day-care center should be watched for early signs of the disease as soon as the initial case is diagnosed. Preventive measures, such as washing your hands before and after changing a diaper or using the bathroom, and practicing other good hygiene habits, should be implemented. Vaccines are effective for the control of epidemics. The drug of choice is rifampin.