Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Childhood

• Based on strong surveillance data, (4) the incidence of invasive meningococcal disease has decreased in the past decade. Children younger than 2 years of age remain at highest risk. • Based on multiple clinical studies and consensus, (5)(6)(7)(8)(9) N meningitidis produces a variety of disease manifestations, but the two most common and devastating are MM and SMS. Because these manifestations present subtly and progress rapidly, clinicians still must be watchful for patients who might be developing meningococcal disease and treat them aggressively. • Based on multiple research studies, (5)(7)(10) despite improved understanding of meningococcal disease, no intervention has proved more effective at reducing morbidity and mortality than penicillin and the aggressive management of shock. • Based on surveillance data and clinical research, (4)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15) it seems likely that prevention through routine vaccination should significantly diminish disease burden, and a meningococcal vaccine may soon be licensed for use during infancy.