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Published on: November 5, 2019
Marijuana use and social networks in a community outbreak of meningococcal disease
G Krause1, C Blackmore, S Wiersma
1Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Background:
We examined the role of social networks and marijuana smoking in a community outbreak of infections due to Neisseria meningitidis.
Methods:
We interviewed all patients and their contacts. Isolates were tested by pulsed field electrophoresis and multilocus enzyme electrophoresis.
Results:
Nine cases of meningococcal disease occurred in the outbreak; isolates from seven cases with positive cultures were identical. Multiple overlapping social networks were found for case-patients and their contacts. All case-patients were linked by the marijuana-related activities of their contacts.
Conclusion:
Investigation of social networks and marijuana exposure might help identify close contacts of patients with meningococcal disease and help prevent secondary infections.
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