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Serogroup W-135 meningococcal disease during the Hajj, 2000
Jairam R Lingappa1, Abdullah M Al-Rabeah, Rana Hajjeh
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. jwl8@cdc.gov
Abstract:
An outbreak of serogroup W-135 meningococcal disease occurred during the 2000 Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Disease was reported worldwide in Hajj pilgrims and their close contacts; however, most cases were identified in Saudi Arabia. Trends in Saudi meningococcal disease were evaluated and the epidemiology of Saudi cases from this outbreak described. Saudi national meningococcal disease incidence data for 1990 to 2000 were reviewed; cases from January 24 to June 5, 2000, were retrospectively reviewed. The 2000 Hajj outbreak consisted of distinct serogroup A and serogroup W-135 outbreaks. Of 253 identified cases in Saudi Arabia, 161 (64%) had serogroup identification; serogroups W-135 and A caused 93 (37%) and 60 (24%) cases with attack rates of 9 and 6 cases per 100,000 population, respectively. The 2000 Hajj outbreak was the first large serogroup W-135 meningococcal disease outbreak identified worldwide. Enhanced surveillance for serogroup W-135, especially in Africa, is essential to control this emerging epidemic disease.
Insights
The 2000 Hajj outbreak saw a rise in meningococcal disease, with serogroup W-135 and serogroup A causing significant outbreaks. Enhanced surveillance for serogroup W-135 is crucial for controlling this emerging epidemic.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- A significant outbreak of meningococcal disease caused by serogroup W-135 occurred during the 2000 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
- The disease spread globally among pilgrims and their contacts, with the majority of cases identified within Saudi Arabia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate trends in Saudi meningococcal disease.
- To describe the epidemiology of Saudi cases during the 2000 Hajj outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of meningococcal disease cases in Saudi Arabia from January 24 to June 5, 2000.
- Analysis of national meningococcal disease incidence data from 1990 to 2000.
Main Results:
- The 2000 Hajj outbreak comprised distinct serogroup A and serogroup W-135 outbreaks.
- Of 253 identified cases in Saudi Arabia, serogroup W-135 caused 93 (37%) and serogroup A caused 60 (24%) cases.
- Attack rates were 9 cases per 100,000 for W-135 and 6 per 100,000 for serogroup A.
Conclusions:
- The 2000 Hajj outbreak marked the first large-scale emergence of serogroup W-135 meningococcal disease globally.
- Enhanced surveillance for serogroup W-135, particularly in Africa, is vital for controlling this emerging epidemic.