Normal flora. Humans are the reservoir.
Quadrivalent vaccine prevents disease by serogroups A/C/W-135/Y - most disease in BC unrelated to travel is serogroup B.
Occurs in outbreaks particularly in crowded setting.
Colonizer and cause of invasive disease:
Meningitis
Meningococcemia
Rarely:
Pneumonia
Septic arthritis
Pericarditis
Conjunctivitis
Others
Generally of little significance when cultured from nonsterile sites e.g. genital, pharynx.
Invasive meningococcal disease is notifiable - call Public Health ASAP.
Contact and droplet precautions until 24hrs of appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Prophylaxis may be required for close contacts and healthcare workers; call Medical Microbiologist or Officer of Health.
