Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026
Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
Published on: November 5, 2019
Cluster of serogroup W invasive meningococcal disease in a university campus
A S Barret1, F Clinard2, M K Taha3
1Santé publique France, French national public health agency, 94415 Saint-Maurice cedex, France.
Introduction:
In France, the expansion of an hypervirulent strain causing serogroup W invasive meningococcal disease (MenW) has been observed since 2015/16. We describe a cluster of three MenW cases, causing two deaths, at the end of 2016 in a university campus, and the vaccination campaign which was consequently organized.
Methods:
Epidemiological and microbiological analyses led a multidisciplinary expertise group to recommend the organization of a mass vaccination campaign using ACWY vaccine targeting more than 30,000 students and staff in the university campus. Individual data on vaccination was collected using the lists of students and staff registered at the university to estimate vaccine coverage.
Results:
Three MenW cases occurred within a 2-month period among students in different academic courses. All three isolates were identical and belonged to the "UK-2013 strain" phylogenetic branch. The attack rate was 10.8/100,000 students. The vaccination campaign was organized only 15 days after the third case occurred. In total, 13,198 persons were vaccinated. Vaccine coverage was estimated at 41% for students of the university and 35% for university staff.
Conclusion:
Timely notification of cases to health authorities was essential for the detection of the cluster and the rapid implementation of the vaccination campaign. No further cases occurred in the campus in the year following the vaccination campaign. This episode is the second cluster of MenW caused by the "UK-2013 strain" in a university since 2016.
Insights
A meningococcal W (MenW) cluster in a French university led to a mass vaccination campaign. The campaign successfully prevented further cases, highlighting the importance of rapid response to invasive meningococcal disease outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- An increase in hypervirulent serogroup W invasive meningococcal disease (MenW) strains has been noted in France since 2015/16.
- A cluster of three MenW cases, resulting in two fatalities, occurred in a university campus in late 2016.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a MenW outbreak in a university setting.
- To report on the subsequent mass vaccination campaign and its effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological and microbiological investigations informed the decision for a mass vaccination campaign.
- An ACWY vaccine was administered to over 30,000 students and staff.
- Vaccine coverage was assessed using university registration data.
Main Results:
- Three genetically identical MenW cases, belonging to the "UK-2013 strain" phylogenetic branch, were identified among students.
- The student attack rate was 10.8 per 100,000.
- A vaccination campaign reached 13,198 individuals, achieving 41% student and 35% staff coverage.
Conclusions:
- Prompt case notification enabled rapid cluster detection and vaccination campaign implementation.
- No additional MenW cases were observed on campus in the year following the vaccination effort.
- This represents the second reported MenW cluster caused by the "UK-2013 strain" in a university since 2016.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Cranial and Spinal Meninges
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...