Risk factors for meningococcal disease: A case control study in south west england

Following outbreaks of meningococcal disease in Gloucester and Plymouth Health Districts a case control study was undertaken to examine whether environmental and social factors were associated with the development of disease. Information was obtained from 105 cases and from two sets of controls, one set matched for sex, local authority district and nearest date of birth, the other for year of birth, sex, general practitioner and nearest address. Cases were on average less well off than their district controls, with more council-owned housing, more reported damp in their houses and less central heating, but there was no evidence of more crowding in the home or of increased social activities amongst cases. Attendance at swimming pools which had caused public concern was not shown to be a risk factor. Cases were more commonly exposed to cigarette smoke in the home though no association with active smoking was detected. The association found between passive smoking and meningococcal disease adds weight to the public health recommendations to reduce indoor exposure to cigarette smoke.