Meningococcal Meningitis, Prophylaxis

Medicine treatment

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Z20.8+Z29.2

• In cases of meningococcal infection, the following close contacts should receive prophylaxis:
  • Household members
  • Child-care centre contacts, and
  • Anyone directly exposed to the patient's oral secretions, e.g. kissing, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, endotracheal intubation, or endotracheal tube management
• Chemoprophylaxis is only effective for the current exposure

MEDICINE TREATMENT

Prophylaxis

Children <6 years of age

• Ceftriaxone, IM, 125 mg, as a single dose

CAUTION: USE OF CEFTRIAXONE IN NEONATES AND CHILDREN - If SUSPECTING SERIOUS BACTERIAL INFECTION in neonate, give ceftriaxone, even if jaundiced - Always include the dose and route of administration of ceftriaxone in the referral letter

Children 6-12 years of age

• Ciprofloxacin, oral, 250 mg, as a single dose

Children >12 years of age and adults

• Ciprofloxacin, oral, 500 mg, as a single dose

LoE:IIIb⁴¹

Pregnant women

• Ceftriaxone, IM, 250 mg, as a single dose

Click here to access the pdf.

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Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-4_Version 1.0_26 May 2025

Chapter 15: Central Nervous System Conditions_15.8 Meningitis_15.8.2 Meningococcal Meningitis, Prophylaxis