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Meningococcal disease in Canada: surveillance summary to 1987
1Disease Surveillance Division, Centre for Disease Control, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ont.
Abstract:
Meningococcal disease continues to occur in most parts of Canada at endemic levels, with minor fluctuations. The incidence in general has changed very little over the past three decades. It is primarily a childhood infection, occurring most commonly among infants less than 1 year of age. In 1987 the risk of infection among infants in that age group was 4 times and among those aged 1 to 4 years 2.5 times that of the general population. The most susceptible appear to be infants about 3 months of age. The annual CFRs had exceeded 50% before the antibiotic era, but with early diagnosis, modern therapy and supportive measures they have been less than 10%. A revised form for reporting cases, currently being considered by provincial epidemiologists across Canada, could help to provide more clinical and epidemiologic information.
Insights
Meningococcal disease remains endemic in Canada, primarily affecting infants under one year old. Modern treatments have significantly reduced the case fatality rate (CFR) from over 50% to below 10%.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Meningococcal disease persists in Canada at endemic levels, with little change in incidence over 30 years.
- The infection predominantly affects children, particularly infants under one year of age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the epidemiology of meningococcal disease in Canada.
- To highlight the changing risk factors and case fatality rates.
- To suggest improvements in data collection for better understanding.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of historical incidence data over three decades.
- Examination of age-specific infection risks.
- Review of case fatality rates (CFRs) before and after the antibiotic era.
Main Results:
- Incidence has remained stable over the past 30 years.
- Infants under 1 year have a 4x higher risk, and children aged 1-4 have a 2.5x higher risk compared to the general population.
- Case fatality rates decreased from over 50% to under 10% with modern medical interventions.
Conclusions:
- Meningococcal disease remains a significant public health concern, especially for young children in Canada.
- Early diagnosis and modern therapies have drastically improved survival rates.
- Enhanced reporting forms are needed to gather more comprehensive clinical and epidemiological data.