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Hajj-related Neisseria meningitidis serogroup w135 in Mauritius

Mohammad Iqbal Issack1, Chinien Ragavoodoo

  • 1Central Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Victoria Hospital, Candos, Mauritius. missack@intnet.mu

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|April 3, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Meningococcal disease cases surged in Mauritius after 2000, likely due to the introduction of Neisseria meningitidis W135. This strain was possibly brought by pilgrims returning from the Hajj.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Meningococcal disease is a rare bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis.
  • Historically, Mauritius reported very few cases of meningococcal disease between 1992 and 1999.

Observation:

  • Since June 2000, a notable increase in meningococcal disease cases has been observed in Mauritius.
  • Four cases were reported in the period following 1999, indicating a shift from the previous disease incidence.

Findings:

  • Epidemiological data and laboratory typing suggest the emergence of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135.
  • The introduction of this specific strain is strongly correlated with pilgrims returning from the Hajj in 2000 and 2001.

Implications:

  • The findings highlight the potential for imported infectious diseases to cause outbreaks in previously low-incidence areas.
  • Surveillance and rapid response are crucial for managing the spread of novel meningococcal strains.
  • Understanding disease introduction pathways, such as international travel, is vital for public health strategies.

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