1 June 2005

Meningococcal disease in India - update

Further to the NaTHNaC clinical update of 10 May 2005 , the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the cumulative number of cases of meningococcal disease in Delhi as of 26 May is 368 with 37 deaths [1].

The highest numbers of cases have occurred in the Delhi zones of City, Shahdara North, Sadar Paharganj, Shahdara South, Civil Lines and Central. Cases have also been reported from neighbouring states.

The age distribution of cases has been about 6% under age five years, 32% between 5 and 14 years, 44% between 15 and 29 years, 10% between 30 and 44 years, and 6% age 45 years and older. Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A has been laboratory confirmed in 35 of the reported cases.

Contact tracing of all clinical suspect cases with appropriate chemoprophylaxis is ongoing, and a vaccination programme with the quadrivalent vaccine has commenced.

In view of cases continuing to be reported, those intending to travel to Delhi, who will be visiting friends and family, or will be working or living in close contact with the local population can consider vaccination with the quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis ACW135Y vaccine. As more information becomes available, this advice will be updated.

Reference

World Health Organization. Meningococcal disease in India - update 3. 30 May 2005. http://www.who.int/csr/don/2005_05_30a/en/index.html

Link

NaTHNaC Meningitis Information Sheet