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Modifiable risk factors for invasive meningococcal disease during an Edmonton, Alberta outbreak, 1999-2002

Lance Honish1, Colin L Soskolne, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan

  • 1Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB. lhonish@cha.ab.ca

Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne De Sante Publique
|April 26, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Rave attendance and bar patronage were identified as significant risk factors for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) during an Edmonton outbreak. Maternal smoking also increased risk, while humidifier use showed a protective effect.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • An invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) outbreak in Edmonton, Alberta (1999-2002) involved 84 cases, primarily Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C.
  • The 15-19 year age group exhibited the highest age-specific incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify modifiable risk factors associated with invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) during a community outbreak.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study design was employed, matching two controls to each case by age and sex.
  • Data were collected via telephone-administered questionnaires from 132 participants (44 cases, 88 controls).
  • Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk measures.

Main Results:

  • Statistically significant risk factors included bar patronage (OR 35.2), rave attendance (OR 12.8), and maternal smoking (OR 8.88).
  • Humidifier use in the home demonstrated a protective effect (OR 0.07).

Conclusions:

  • Rave attendance emerged as a notable risk factor for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD).
  • While risk estimates had low precision, the findings highlight potential emergent risk factors for IMD.

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