Cases of meningococcal infection and bacterial meningitis occur every day and require an 'out of hours' public health response.
Analysis of hospital admissions data over three years in Ireland showed that the 1478 cases of meningococcal disease and meningitis were admitted at the same frequency every day of the week. The need for and the cost effectiveness of an 'out of hours' service in order to manage the community aspects of meningococcal disease/meningitis requires further attention.
Howell
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F
Department of Public Health, North Eastern Health Board, Navan County Meath, Ireland. fenton.howell@nehb.ie
Bedford
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D
D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*