Table 1 Standard case definition of meningococcal meningitis based on WHO recommendations** and adapted by the Ministry of Health.

   1) Sudden onset of fever (>38.5°C rectal or 38.0°C axillary)

   WITH

   2) Stiff neck

   In patients under 1 year of age, a suspected case of meningitis occurs when fever is accompanied by a bulging fontanelle

Probable case of bacterial meningitis

   1) Suspected case of acute meningitis as defined above

   WITH

   2) turbid CSF

Probable case of meningococcal meningitis

   1) Suspected case of either acute or bacterial meningitis as defined above

   WITH

   2) Gram stain showing Gram-negative diplococcus

   OR

   3) ongoing epidemic

   4) petechial or purpural rash

Confirmed case:

   1) Suspected or probable case as defined above

   WITH EITHER

   2) positive CSF antigen detection for N. meningitidis

   OR

   3) positive culture of CSF or blood with identification of N. meningitidis