What is an “outbreak” of meningococcal meningitis?
West Virginia has about 10 to 20 cases of meningococcal disease every year. An outbreak is an “unusual increase” above this expected number of cases. To prevent outbreaks, West Virginia’s local health departments: • Thoroughly investigate every reported case of meningococcal disease; and • Give antibiotics to persons who need them to prevent illness. This prevention activity goes on every time a case of meningococcal meningitis is reported.
