Meningococcic meningitis: A report of multiple cases occurring in the same family

Abstract

Summary We here add to the literature a report of three cases of meningococcic meningitis in the same family. It is interesting to note that the three cases were hospitalized within a period of thirty-six hours; one case terminated fatally within three and one-half hours following admission. In order to avoid multiple cases in the same family it may be wise to give all members of the family of any patient with meningococcic meningitis a day's supply of sulfadiazine. It is known that from 1 to 2 Gm. per day converts a throat culture from positive to negative.