The epidemiology of meningococcal disease in Malta.

Abstract

Objectives 1. To examine trends and epidemiological characteristics of meningococcal disease in Malta particularly in the light of the recent upsurge. 2. To compare these characteristics and trends with those obtained in other countries in recent years. 3. To consider the public health implications of recent trends in reported incidence. 4. To examine the relationship between reported incidence and climatic factors. Design - Data collection from routine health records 1994-1999 with retrospective analysis. Setting - The Maltese islands. Subjects - Maltese residents living in Malta. Main outcome measure - Notified cases of meningococcal disease to the Department of Public Health and laboratory reports. Results - A significant increase in the reported incidence of meningococcal disease particularly in the young adult population. Different serogroups were identified with serogroup B being the predominant strain followed in frequency by serogroup C. Cases of meningococcal disease were consistently reported in every quarter from 1997 onwards. Conclusion - An increase in the number of cases is occurring at a time when some other European countries are experiencing similar trends. The importance of close surveillance, particularly to monitor any changes in the serogroup of the meningococci causing disease, cannot be overemphasised. With the availability of vaccines against serogroup B meningococci, vaccination will become of major importance in preventing meningococcal disease in Malta. Meanwhile, the main methods of control remain the early treatment of cases and the prevention of secondary cases.