Abstract
Background: Meningococcal infection may lead to life threatening meningitis and fulminant meningococcal sepsis. Sporadic cases of meningococcal infection have been reported in soldiers but no outbreak in soldiers has been reported earlier from India. This outbreak in soldiers serving in counter insurgency role under field setting was effectively controlled without compromising their operational commitment. Methods: This is an epidemiological investigation and control of an outbreak of meningococcal infection, bringing out the predisposing factors and highlighting the role of early diagnosis and management of cases. Mass chemoprophylaxis in contacts was used as an effective control measure in the absence of vaccine in this institution based outbreak. Result: Out of a total of 17 cases reported, 14 presented as meningitis and three as meningococcemia. Two cases of meningococcemia ended fatally. Serogroup A of Neisseria meningitidis was responsible for this outbreak. Gross over- crowding was the predisposing factor. Conclusion: An outbreak of meningococcal infection in soldiers deployed in counter- insurgency role was effectively contained using mass chemoprophylaxis in the absence of meningococcal vaccine.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
