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Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Serogroup X Meningococcal Meningitis during an Outbreak in Western Kenya, 2005–2006

2009; American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene; Volume: 80; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.4269/ajtmh.2009.80.619

1476-1645

David Mutonga, Guillermo Pimentel, Judith Musengya Muindi, C Nzioka, Julius Mutiso, John D. Klena, Myriam Morcos, T. Ogaro, Sadiki Materu, Christopher Tetteh, Nancy E. Messonnier, Robert F. Breiman, Daniel R. Feikin,

Virology and Viral Diseases

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.