Principles and practice of control of meningococcal disease in Norway

An effective control of meningococcal disease must be based on an understanding of the epidemiological situation and knowledge about the natural history of the disease. The relationship between the infecting agent, its source, the route of transmission, and the susceptible host ("the chain of infection") should be defined. After a discussion on principles, the practice of control of meningococcal disease in Norway during the last five years is described. Control measures must at present be directed towards patients and high risk contacts. Control measures also include education of health personnel, information to the public, and research.