4.2 Protocol B: Action for a single case of probable or confirmed case of meningococcal disease

A Probable case is a clinical diagnosis of meningococcal meningitis or septicaemia without microbiological confirmation where the public health doctor considers that meningococcal disease is the most likely diagnosis.

A Confirmed case is a clinical diagnosis of meningococcal meningitis or septicaemia which has been confirmed microbiologically. Preventive antibiotics will be issued to close contacts of the case by the Consultant in Communicable Disease Control or duty public health doctor.

Action Person/Organisation responsible
1. Admit case to hospital Student Health Centre / General Practitioner
2. Inform and liaise with the Consultant in Communicable Disease Control (CCDC) Student Health Centre / General Practitioner /
Hospital
3. Inform and liaise with the University Meningitis Policy Coordinator (UMPC) or Deputy CCDC
4. Contact Estate Patrol (to locate) Resident Tutor / Residence Manager / Director of Campus Services UMPC
5. Inform and liaise with the Resident Tutor / Residence Manager / Director of Campus Services and the Student Health Centre CCDC/UMPC
6. Inform and liaise with College Dean, the Health and Safety Adviser, other relevant University staff and the Guild of Students UMPC
7. Arrange for close contacts to be alerted and to be issued with antibiotic prophylactics (and offered vaccine where appropriate) CCDC / Student Health Centre
8. Inform and alert the General Practitioners of all close contacts who are thus treated Student Health Centre
9. Issue previously prepared communication (2) urgently (same day) to students in same residence and on the same course Health and Safety Office
10. Consider arranging a meeting for students in the same residence and on the same course CCDC / Student Health Centre / UMPC
11. Issue a previously prepared communication (3) to all Colleges, student residences and the Guild of Students (eg via e-mail) Health and Safety Office
12. Provide public health information and advice to the University and offer the Health Authority telephone help-line number CCDC
13. Alert national meningitis charities and request the use of their telephone help-line numbers CCDC
14. Consider issuing a press statement CCDC/Academic Secretary/Press Relations Manager/NHS Press Officer

Communications