Invasive Meningococcal Disease Information for Providers - NYC Health

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Invasive Meningococcal Disease: Information for Providers

Discontinue Use of Ciprofloxacin for Invasive Meningococcal Disease Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Health care providers should discontinue the use of ciprofloxacin as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for close contacts of patients with invasive meningococcal disease in New York due to antimicrobial resistance. Rifampin or ceftriaxone remain first-line options for meningococcal disease PEP. Azithromycin may also be used as an alternative.

Treatment recommendations for suspected or confirmed invasive meningococcal disease have not changed. Start appropriate antibiotics (e.g., a third-generation cephalosporin) as soon as invasive meningococcal disease is suspected; do not wait for diagnostic test results.

NYC Health Department Health Advisory #23: Discontinue Use of Ciprofloxacin for Invasive Meningococcal Disease
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PDF, August 14, 2024)

Health care providers in New York City are required to immediately report suspected or confirmed invasive meningococcal disease cases to the NYC Health Department by calling the Provider Access Line (PAL) at 866-692-3641.

Providers may also call the PAL for timely consultation regarding public health management of invasive meningococcal disease.

Recent updates:

CDC Travel Notice: Meningococcal Disease in Saudi Arabia - Vaccine Requirements for Travel During the Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages

NYC Health Department Health Advisory #8: CDC Advisory: Increase in Invasive Serogroup Y Meningococcal Disease in the United States (PDF, April 1, 2024)

More Information

Invasive Meningococcal Disease Main Page

Meningitis (Bacterial)

Meningitis (Viral)