Guidance

Meningococcal disease surveillance flow chart (text version)

Updated 15 December 2022

Applies to England

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Summary of public health actions

Meningococcal Reference Unit (MRU)

To monitor the different national meningococcal immunisation programmes, it is critical that all invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) positive samples are sent to the MRU for confirmation and characterisation, even for cases where the diagnosis has already been confirmed by PCR.

Hospitals

Actions for the local hospitals:

  • inform HPT of suspected case
  • collect diagnostic samples (see section 9.1.2 in the meningococcal surveillance plan)
  • take throat swab and screen for Neisseria meningitidis

Health Protection Teams

Actions for the local health protection teams (HPTs):

  • lead on required public health action in case and contacts
  • ensure appropriate samples have been taken
  • complete the MENSV01 questionnaire
  • provide guidance to clinicians on diagnostic samples

Immunisation and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Division

Actions for UKHSA immunisation team:

  • provide advice in cluster or outbreak situations
  • follow-up sample submission
  • follow-up MENSV01
  • contact GP for MENSV03 questionnaire (3 to 6 months)
  • request immunological follow-up (MENSV04) (where indicated)
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