Epidemiology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

IMD is a disease caused by the Neisseria meningitidis agent. It is a seriously contagious, infectious and potentially fatal illness
which puts younger population at higher risk. A descriptive study was conducted on all reported IMD cases in 2011-2014
using data from reporting forms, results of strains serogroups and subtypes tested by the National Reference Center and the
ARS investigation reports. From 2011 to 2014, 62 cases of IMD were reported. The most affected district was Cher with 24
% of cases. The regional incidence was highest in 2011 (0.93/100,000 inhabitants) but remained similar to the national level
(0.97/100,000). In 2012, the increase observed in 2011 at the regional and national levels was not confirmed (0.03/100,000 ).
Incidence in 2013 and 2014 were respectively 0.06 and 0.05 / 100,000. The average age was 27 years but has increased from 22
to 30 during the study period. Sero group was known for 95% with 69% B, 19% C, 2% W135 and 5% Y. Purpura Fulminant
was reported in 21% of cases: 62% of these were treated with early antibiotic treatment. Lethality was 5% at least, 8% retained
sequelae. A many “sero group C cases 2% were under 1 year old and 5 was over 25 years old, i.e 58% in age groups not
targeted for meningoccal C vaccination. The average delay in reporting (including suspected cases) to the ARS was 24h. IMD
is rare compared to some other notifiable diseases but its severity required urgent protection measures for close contacts. The
increased number of IMD cases in adults over 25, including sero group C IMD could be underlined. Public health implications
of the study are the significance of early reporting period, biological diagnostic confirmation and promotion of vaccination
against meningococcal C.

Biography

Esra Morvan has completed his Md ‘Methodology and Statistics in Biomedical Research’ from Paris Sud XI University. He is the Epidemiologist-Biostatistician of
Regional office French institute for public health since 2009.