Outbreak of group C meningococcal infection affecting two preschool nurseries.

Five cases of meningococcal infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis group C type 2a, subtype P1.5, P1.2 occurred within six days. Two of the affected children attended the same preschool nursery. The mother of two other children at the nursery was affected, as were the mother and sibling of another child (not a case) at the nursery. The 'sibling' case attended a different nursery. As the situation evolved, the control aspects of the outbreak changed. Antibiotic prophylaxis and vaccination were given to all staff and children attending both nurseries, and to parents, siblings, and household contacts of all children attending the first nursery.