What is a recommended preventative measure for gonococcal meningitis in close contacts?

What is a recommended preventative measure for gonococcal meningitis in close contacts?

• A. Prophylactic antibiotics for close contacts
• B. Routine vaccination of all adults
• C. No action needed
• D. Isolation measures only

Answer: (A)

Close contacts of a gonococcal meningitis case are at risk of acquiring the infection, so the most effective preventive step is administering antibiotics to those contacts to eradicate nasopharyngeal carriage and reduce transmission. This chemoprophylaxis is aimed at preventing secondary cases in people who were exposed, especially household members and intimate contacts. The usual options include rifampin, with alternatives such as ciprofloxacin or ceftriaxone for those who can’t take rifampin. Vaccination plays a role in longer-term prevention and outbreak control, but it isn’t the immediate measure for a known exposure. Merely isolating the patient doesn’t protect exposed contacts, and routine vaccination of all adults isn’t a targeted response to a specific exposure.

Close contacts of a gonococcal meningitis case are at risk of acquiring the infection, so the most effective preventive step is administering antibiotics to those contacts to eradicate nasopharyngeal carriage and reduce transmission. This chemoprophylaxis is aimed at preventing secondary cases in people who were exposed, especially household members and intimate contacts. The usual options include rifampin, with alternatives such as ciprofloxacin or ceftriaxone for those who can’t take rifampin. Vaccination plays a role in longer-term prevention and outbreak control, but it isn’t the immediate measure for a known exposure. Merely isolating the patient doesn’t protect exposed contacts, and routine vaccination of all adults isn’t a targeted response to a specific exposure.