A 12-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Emergency Department by Paramedics

A 12-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department by paramedics after being found unresponsive at home.  He had 24 hours of headache, nausea, and fever, which his parents were treating with acetaminophen.  His temperature is 39.6 C (103.4 F) .  Physical examination reveals neck stiffness.  Lumbar puncture is performed.  Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid shows marked pleocytosis, and Gram stain shows gram-negative cocci in pairs.  The parents are concerned about their younger son, who shares a bedroom with the patient.  Which of the following is the most appropriate management of this patient's household contacts?

A) Immediate vaccination
B) Observation only
C) Prophylactic penicillin
D) Prophylactic rifampin
E) Prophylactic sulfamethoxazole

Correct Answer:

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