Emergence and disappearance of W135 meningococcal disease

A Wilder-Smith1, A Chow, K-T Goh

  • 1Department of Medicine and Department of Epidemiology/Public Health, National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore. epvws@pacific.net.sg

Insights

Meningococcal disease W135, introduced in Singapore in 2000, caused cases until 2003. No further W135 meningococcal disease cases have been reported since 2004, suggesting it did not become endemic.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135 (MenW135) was identified in Singapore in 2000.
  • Hajj pilgrims were the likely source of introduction.
  • Previous research indicated sustained carriage and potential for community transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential for W135 meningococcal disease to become endemic in Singapore.
  • To track the incidence of W135 meningococcal disease following its introduction.

Main Methods:

  • Surveillance data analysis.
  • Retrospective case review.

Main Results:

  • W135 meningococcal disease cases were reported in Singapore between 2000 and 2003.
  • No cases of W135 meningococcal disease were reported after 2004.

Conclusions:

  • W135 meningococcal disease did not become endemic in Singapore.
  • The introduction of W135 did not lead to sustained community transmission in Singapore.

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