The detection of meningococcal household clusters and their prophylaxis in the changing epidemiological situation of invasive meningococcal disease in Poland, 2003-2006

Individual surveillance reports on meningococcal disease in Poland from 2003-2006 were screened for information on cluster detection and chemoprophylaxis administration, and a questionnaire was distributed to the country's regional health departments in order to summarize cluster investigation. The number of primary cases of meningococcal disease reported in 2003-2006 was 635, including 292 cases of meningitis, 185 cases of septicaemia, and 158 cases of meningitis with septicaemia. Chemoprophylaxis was administered to close contacts on average in 33.2% cases, the proportion increasing from 3.9% in 2003 to 43.8% in 2006. Between 2003 and 2006, there were five household clusters reported, involving a total of 10 cases. In one cluster, only co-primary cases were identified, and in the other four clusters, secondary cases were detected. Four of the five clusters were microbiologically confirmed, and the serogroup was established in two clusters (one C, one B). Chemoprophylaxis was correctly administered to household members in one cluster, after the diagnosis of the primary case, and a further case was recorded 42 days after the onset of disease in the primary case. Vaccination of contacts was not performed during the studied period. No deaths or serious disease sequelae were observed in the course of described household clusters. .