Estimation of the denominator begins with determining whether population estimates for children aged 100.4°F [>38.0°C] axillary) and either neck stiffness, altered consciousness with no alternative diagnosis, or other meningeal signs (5). For this retrospective record review, an admission diagnosis of meningitis or an indication for lumbar puncture also met the surveillance case definition. Under the WHO method, hospital admission registers, specimen collection logbooks, laboratory records of CSF specimens received, and IB-VPD surveillance databases are reviewed for the specified time period. Individual patient charts are not reviewed. Patients
aged