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[Meningococcal disease in Catalonia, Spain (1990-1997)]
Gloria Carmona1, Neus Cardeñosa, Manuel Oviedo
1Dirección General de Salud Pública, Departamento de Sanidad y Seguridad Social, Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain. gloria.carmona@gencat.net
Medicina Clinica
|October 30, 2004
Summary
Meningococcal disease incidence slightly decreased in Catalonia from 1990-1997. However, serogroup C cases rose in 1996-1997, particularly in 10-19 year olds, indicating potential epidemic periods.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Meningococcal disease poses a significant public health challenge.
- Understanding disease trends is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological behavior of meningococcal disease in Catalonia between 1990 and 1997.
- To identify potential epidemic periods and shifts in disease patterns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of confirmed and suspected meningococcal disease cases reported to the notifiable disease system.
- Inclusion of all cases meeting diagnostic criteria during the study period (1990-1997).
Main Results:
- Overall incidence rate was 4.8 per 100,000 population.
- Serogroup B incidence was 1.9/100,000 and serogroup C was 0.8/100,000.
- A slight diminishing trend in disease incidence was observed, with a notable increase in serogroup C cases in 1996-1997, concentrated in the 10-19 age group.
Conclusions:
- Meningococcal disease incidence in Catalonia showed a slight decrease during 1990-1997.
- An increase in serogroup C cases during the final two years coincided with a shift in the affected age demographic to 10-19 year olds.
- These findings align with patterns observed in other countries during epidemic periods, suggesting heightened meningococcal activity.