A family cluster of serogroup C meningococcal disease.

The Brisbane Southside Public Health Unit, received notifi cation of a case of probable meningococcal septicaemia in a 22-year-old female on the 25th May 2004. Onset of illness was the 23rd May. Symptoms included lethargy, malaise and headache. On presentation, the patient was febrile and hypotensive, with an extensive purpuric rash. The patient responded to appropriate treatment and made a full recovery complicated by post infectious polyarthritis. The diagnosis was confi rmed with positive blood cultures for Neisseria meningitidis. Five household contacts received prophylactic antibiotics on the 25th May, including the case’s 2-year-old child. Other (non-household) contacts were provided with information after confi rmation of the diagnosis on the 26th May.