W135 meningococcal carriage in association with the Hajj pilgrimage 2001: the Singapore experience.
An international outbreak among pilgrims returning from the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) and their close contacts was caused by W135 Neisseria meningitidis. In Singapore, this strain is a new emerging problem, clearly associated with this outbreak. We investigated the extent of transmission of N. meningitidis in Hajj pilgrims and their contacts, in order to provide evidence for developing a rational public health policy. We found a high acquisition rate of W135 N. meningitidis in Singaporean pilgrims during the Hajj with substantial transmission to their household contacts. These findings would support a policy of eradication of pharyngeal carriage in returning pilgrims to prevent introduction and dissemination of meningococci.
Wilder-Smith
Annelies
A
Department of Infectious Diseases, Travellers' Health and Vaccination Centre, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore. epvws@pacific.net.sg
D002353:Carrier State / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006801:Humans; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines / Q000494:pharmacology; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011634:Public Health; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology; D012846:Singapore / Q000453:epidemiology; D014195:Travel
D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines