Thread by @drmcdonnellygm1

Carriage of the meningococcus bacteria is common in the population. However it is very uncommon for the bacteria to cause invasive infection. This means that the current outbreak is caused by an alteration in the bacteria, or the host, or probably a combination of the both.

A strain causing such a large outbreak is likely to have pathogen factors that have increased the chance of invasive infection. It may also be more easily transmissible, however meningococcal bacteria must transmit easily to be so widespread in the population.

It also seems likely that there is host alteration making people more susceptible to invasive infection. Respiratory viruses are a risk factor for subsequent bacterial meningitis. Covid is still an emerging virus and should be considered in the investigation of unusual events.

Failure to consider an association between living with covid and negative consequences inhibits progress in understanding of the future health of the population. It stops people from making informed decisions on what is best for their health.

The reported association with vapes also makes sense as smoking and vaping increase airway inflammation and risk of invasive infection. There are often several reasons why events happen.

As the bacteria seem to spread so easily, and undoubtedly spread by sharing air, and this current outbreak is unprecedented with a serious infection, it is disappointing to see deployment of blue masks on our television screens.

Blue masks are one size fits all. They fit people with small faces poorly. Depending on the position of your ears they may not even cover your nose. It should be clear that while this outbreak is ongoing healthcare workers should use respiratory masks to protect themselves,

And also to ensure that hospitals do not amplify the outbreak. There is benefit to community mask wearing in the risk areas. Antibiotics for contacts will eradicate the bacteria, however masks will stop re-infection while the outbreak is being managed over the next few weeks.

If people wish not to wear a mask during an unprecedented serious outbreak by an infection that will be spread in the air, that is fine you don't need to tell me. Each to their own.

There are a few reasons blue masks are used instead of respiratory masks. However one of the main barriers to widespread deployment of respiratory masks is the requirement for fit testing. This conundrum is not insurmountable, and should not be a reason to use ineffective masks.