Rapid Laboratory Identification of Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup C as the Cause of an Outbreak - Liberia, 2017

What is already known about this topic? Meningococcal disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis is a serious illness that commonly manifests as meningitis or septicemia. Globally, the highest disease burden is observed in the African meningitis belt that stretches from Senegal to Ethiopia; however, sporadic meningococcal disease cases and outbreaks also occur worldwide. What is added by this report? Following the detection of an outbreak of an unknown etiology surrounding a funeral event in Liberia, a rapid laboratory response using the Taqman Array Card (TAC) and confirmatory direct real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays identified N. meningitidis serogroup C as the cause of the outbreak. What are the implications for public health practice? Prompt and accurate detection of outbreaks allows public health officials to respond quickly and implement appropriate control measures. This report underscores the utility of TAC assay and direct real-time PCR in diagnosing outbreaks of unknown etiology.