Epidemiology and risk factors for serogroup X meningococcal meningitis during an outbreak in western Kenya, 2005-2006.
The epidemiology of serogroup X meningococcal meningitis in Africa is unknown. During a serogroup X meningococcus outbreak in Kenya, case finding involved record review at health facilities and interviews with health workers and community leaders in West Pokot district. An age- and location-matched case-control study for risk factors was done. From December 2005 to April 2006, 82 suspect cases of meningitis were reported; the epidemic threshold was surpassed within two administrative divisions. Most (58%) cases were 5-24 years old; the case-fatality ratio was 21%. Serogroup X meningococcus was the most common serogroup - 5 (63%) of eight isolates serogrouped. Living in the same compound as another case, preceding upper respiratory tract infection and cooking outside the house were significant risk factors for disease. Serogroup X meningococcus caused an outbreak with similar epidemiology and risk factors as other serogroups. Serogroup-specific laboratory-based surveillance for meningococcus in Africa to detect serogroup X disease should be enhanced.
Mutonga
David M
DM
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kenya Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Nairobi, Kenya.
Pimentel
Guillermo
G
Muindi
Judith
J
Nzioka
Charles
C
Mutiso
Julius
J
Klena
John D
JD
Morcos
Myriam
M
Ogaro
Thomas
T
Materu
Sadiki
S
Tetteh
Christopher
C
Messonnier
Nancy E
NE
Breiman
Robert F
RF
Feikin
Daniel R
DR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008585:Meningitis, Meningococcal / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000401:mortality; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000145:classification*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors; D012703:Serotyping; D055815:Young Adult