Meningococcal Disease, 2009

Sixteen cases of Neisseria meningitidis invasive disease (0.3 per 100,000 population) were reported in 2009, compared to 30 cases in 2008. There were 8 (50%) serogroup B cases, 5 (31%) serogroup C, and 3 (19%) serogroup Y. In addition, there were 2 culture-negative suspect cases that were positive by PCR for group B in the PHL.

Cases ranged in age from 4 months to 86 years, with a median of 20 years. Seventy-five percent of the cases occurred in the metropolitan area. Three (19%) cases had bacteremia without another focus of infection, 10 (63%) had meningitis, 2 (13%) had pneumonia, and 1 (6%) had septic arthritis. One death occurred in a 69-year-old who died of meningitis attributed to serogroup B.

In January 2005, a meningococcal polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine for serogroups A,C,Y, and W-135 (MCV4) was licensed for use in the United States for persons aged 11 to 55 years. In 2007, the license was approved to include 2 to 10 year-olds. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend immunization with the new vaccine at age 11-12 years, or at high school entry, as well as for college freshmen living in dormitories, and other groups in the licensed age range previously determined to be at high risk. In 2006, MDH in collaboration with the CDC and other sites nationwide, began a case-control study to examine the efficacy of MCV4.

In 2009, 5 cases occurred among 11-22 year olds.  One case had serogroup B disease and was not in school.  Two of the cases in the MCV4 study for this age had serogroup Y disease and both were in high school; they were not vaccinated.  One case had a positive PCR result for serogroup C and was vaccinated, and the last case had serogroup C and was not vaccinated; they were in high school and college, respectively.

• For up to date information see>> Meningococcal Disease
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2009