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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.
Abstract:
A review of laboratory isolates and notifications of meningococcal disease in the Cork area was conducted for the period 1989-93. The study aimed to describe the epidemiology of meningococcal disease in the area. The incidence of meningococcal disease is high in the Cork area and has been increasing since 1991 with a peak incidence of laboratory confirmed cases of 6.5 per 100,000 in 1993. In the five year review period 113 notifications of meningococcal disease were identified of which 61 (54%) were laboratory confirmed and 52 (46%) were clinically diagnosed only. All laboratory confirmed cases had been notified to the local Director of Community Care/Medical Officer of Health. Group C organisms comprised two-thirds of isolates in 1992 and 1993. Comparison of regional and national incidence rates must be based on laboratory confirmed cases as the criteria for diagnosis and completeness of notifications may vary. A National Infectious Disease Surveillance Centre is vital for monitoring trends and for the coordinated development of a national policy on control and prevention of meningococcal disease.
Insights
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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