In 2018, 3,233 confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), including 324 deaths, were reported in 30 EU/EEA Member States.
Meningococcal disease
General Information
Meningococcal disease is caused by various serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis), of which groups A, B and C account for about 90% of meningococcal disease. Recent outbreaks of group Y and W135 strains suggest that these serogroups are gaining in importance.
N. meningitidis is one of the most common causes of bacterial meningitis in the world and the only bacterium capable of generating large epidemics of meningitis.
The disease often has a rapid progression, with an 8–15% case-fatality ratio. The rapid progression of meningococcal disease may result in death within 1-2 days after onset.
Immunisation is the only rational approach to the control of meningococcal disease.
Transmission
Meningococcus is transmitted by aerosol or direct contact with respiratory secretions of patients or healthy human carriers.
Epidemiology
2018
Explosive epidemics with incidence rates of up to 1,000 cases per 100,000 inhabitants have been reported, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
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