Meningococcal Disease, 2017

Five Neisseria meningitidis (NM) invasive disease cases (0.09 per 100,000 population) were reported in 2017; 5 cases were reported in 2016. Three were serogroup B, 1 was serogroup C, and 1 case was serogroup Z. All cases were sporadic.

Cases ranged in age from 9 to 89 years. Two of the 5 occurred in the metropolitan area. Two cases had meningitis, 2 had bacteremia and septic shock, and 1 had bacteremia without another focus of infection. There were no deaths.

In 2017, the case-isolates showed no resistance to beta-lactams, while in 2016 1 case-isolate demonstrated intermediate resistance to both ampicillin and penicillin. No isolate had ciprofloxacin resistance.

Incidence of invasive NM was fairly stable at about 0.30 cases per 100,000 persons since 2005 (with the exception of 2008 when incidence increased to 0.57 cases per 100,000 persons); however, invasive NM has decreased since 2011. Quadrivalent conjugate MenACWY is recommended at 11- 12 years with a necessary booster at age 16. Vaccination rates in 2017 for at least 1 dose among 13-17 year old Minnesota adolescents is 77%; rates for the necessary booster are lagging at 22% (Minnesota Immunization Information Connection).

From 2011-2016, the proportion of invasive NM cases that were serogroup B was 53% compared to the prior 6 years (2005-2010) when 36% of cases were serogroup B. Two menB vaccines are available. Clinicians should vaccinate patients 10 years of age and older with specific risk factors, and discuss MenB vaccine with patients who are 16-23 years old.

• For up to date information see>> Meningococcal Disease
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2017