Social and Environmental Influences Affecting the Risk of Development of Meningococcal Disease: Considerations for Prehospital Care

After briefly reviewing the clinical features, major sequelae and initial treatment of invasive meningococcal disease, and reviewing the international and domestic incidence of meningococcal disease, the epidemiological risk factors for meningococcal disease found in the literature are summarised. These findings and the heterogeneity of sub-population risk, especially in relation to indigenous populations, are then discussed. The implications of these discussions are then applied to paramedic practice as a component of primary health care. The author argues that consideration of such data is important in developing recommendations for the development of system planning and clinical practice guidelines.