Nosocomial meningococcemia in a physician.

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 (i.e., respirators and protective goggles). Unprotected healthcare workers with high exposure to Neisseria meningitidis should receive chemoprophylaxis.