9 August 2005

Meningococcal meningitis in China

On 10th February 2005, NaTHNaC reported on an outbreak of meningococcal meningitis affecting several provinces in China.

http://www.NaTHNaC.org/pro/clinical_updates/men_china_

feb2005.htm

The most affected province was Anhui and many of the cases were confirmed to have been caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C. Most cases occurred in those 18 years of age and younger.

Recent communication from medical personnel at the World Health Organization Western Pacific Regional Office (WHO-WPRO) indicates that the outbreak is over, and case rates have declined to endemic levels normally seen over the past several years. Therefore, NaTHNaC’s previous considerations for meningitis vaccination for travellers to China no longer apply.

As in many areas of the world, sporadic cases of meningitis may still occur.

Further information about meningococcal meningitis can be found here.