Serogroup distribution in US

Current serogroup distribution: type B (33%), C (28%), Y (34%), W (2%), other (3%)

Serogroup Y on the increase: from 9% (1990-92) to 34% (1996-98); prevalent in older adults

Serogroup B in < 1 year infants, and

Serogroup C in young people/adults

Serogroup C implicated in most US outbreaks (think "possible outbreak") although menigitis infection "outbreaks" are infrequent and represent <5% of reported cases

Request laboratories to serotype CSF or blood isolates to improve our knowldege of occurrence and pattern of different serotypes

Clinical Forms:signs and symptoms

Meningitis: high fever, headache, stiff neck, photophobia (diagnosis may be delayed in infants)

Meningoccemia: high fever, petechial rash, sepsis (VERY SICK INDIVIDUAL)

Sequealae: 10% hearing loss or other serious permanent complications