Infection prevention and control in meningococcal disease - caring for the caregivers

Abstract

Meningococcal meningitis is an airborne contagious disease that requires short term, highly active isolation. Principles of barrier nursing necessary for isolating these patients and protecting the care giving staff consist of the use of surgical face masks with a built-in filter layer, hand washing and disinfection, the use of caps and plastic aprons to prevent splashes of body fluid from soiling bodies and uniforms, accommodation in single rooms or isolation facilities where access control, linen provision, environmental cleaning, management of equipment and furniture, and waste management are regulated to keep staff and visitors as safe as possible and prevent the need to regularly administer antibiotic prophylaxis or chemotherapy to the same staff members.