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Nosocomial Meningococcemia in a Physician

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Jean-François Gehanno*
Affiliation:
Institute of Occupational Health, Charles Nicolle University Hospital, Rouen, France
Laure Kohen-Couderc
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Charles Nicolle University Hospital, Rouen, France
Jean-François Lemeland
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Microbiology, Charles Nicolle University Hospital, Rouen, France
Jacques Leroy
Affiliation:
Intensive-Care Unit, Charles Nicolle University Hospital, Rouen, France
*
Institute of Occupational Health, Hospital Charles Nicolle, 1 rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen Cedex, France

Abstract

We report the case of a pediatrician who developed meningococcal meningitis after performing endotracheal intubation without protection on a child who was suspected of having meningoencephalitis. This case emphasizes the necessity for healthcare workers who perform high-risk procedures to use personal protection devices (ie, respirators and protective goggles). Unprotected healthcare workers with high exposure to Neisseria meningitidis should receive chemoprophylaxis.

Type
Concise Communications
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1999

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