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Meningococcus: a menace in Cork?
F M Ryan1, C Foley-Nolan, E Keane
1Dept. of Public Health, SHB, Cork Farm Centre.
Irish Medical Journal
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Meningococcal disease incidence in Cork was high and rising, peaking in 1993. Group C strains dominated isolates, highlighting the need for national surveillance to control this infection.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Surveillance
Background:
- Meningococcal disease presents a significant public health challenge.
- Understanding regional disease patterns is crucial for effective control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of meningococcal disease in the Cork area from 1989-1993.
- To analyze trends and identify causative agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of laboratory isolates and disease notifications.
- Analysis of incidence rates based on laboratory-confirmed cases.
Main Results:
- High and increasing incidence of meningococcal disease in Cork, peaking at 6.5 cases per 100,000 in 1993.
- Group C strains accounted for two-thirds of isolates in 1992-1993.
- 54% of 113 notifications were laboratory-confirmed.
Conclusions:
- Consistent diagnostic criteria and national surveillance are essential for accurate trend monitoring.
- A National Infectious Disease Surveillance Centre is vital for policy development and disease control.
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