Meningococcal disease in the Republic of Ireland: 1995.
Two hundred and nine culture confirmed cases of meningococcal disease were reported in the Republic of Ireland in 1995, using a new laboratory based surveillance system. The reported rate of 5.9/100000 population is one of the highest in western Europe, but the rate differed widely between regions. Fifty-three per cent of cases were female. Half of the cases occurred in four months (January, February, March, and December). Nineteen cases (9%) died. The highest age specific incidence was in infancy (under 1 year). Infections with serogroup B accounted for 105 cases (54%) and serogroup C 87 cases (45%). We estimate that up to 30% of cases of meningococcal disease may be preventable when conjugate meningococcal group C vaccines become available, but cost benefit analyses will be required to determine how they should be employed.
Fogarty
I
I
Children's Hospital, Dublin.
Cafferkey
M T
MT
Moloney
A C
AC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008585:Meningitis, Meningococcal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D015996:Survival Rate