Prophylaxis and Mask Use for Laboratory Exposure to Neisseria Meningitidis
Antibiotic Prophylaxis
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends antibiotic prophylaxis with either ciprofloxacin (single 500 mg oral dose), rifampin (600 mg twice daily for 2 days), or ceftriaxone (250 mg IM single dose) for individuals exposed to potentially aerosolized Neisseria meningitidis in the laboratory setting, as soon as possible, regardless of whether the exposure occurred today or 6 days ago 1, 2, 3
- Ciprofloxacin is recommended as a single 500 mg oral dose for adults over 16 years 2, 3
- Ceftriaxone is the preferred option during pregnancy 3, 5
Mask Use Recommendations
- Droplet precautions should be implemented for all exposed individuals until they have received 24 hours of effective antibiotic prophylaxis, and surgical masks should be worn by exposed individuals when in close contact with others 6, 7
Risk Assessment
- Laboratory exposures to N. meningitidis represent a significant risk, particularly when aerosolization may have occurred, with an estimated 25 times greater risk of meningococcal disease for exposed healthcare workers than for the general population 1, 4, 7
Monitoring After Prophylaxis
- All exposed individuals should be monitored for symptoms of meningococcal disease for at least 10 days after exposure 4