Meningococcal meningitis outbreak in the municipality of Ciénaga, Magdalena, 2018

Abstract

Background: Meningococcal meningitis is a severe infectious disease affecting the meninges and spinal cord, mainly caused by Neisseria meningitidis microorganisms. The objective was to describe the outbreak of meningitis identified in epidemiological week 49 of 2018 in Cienega, Magdalena.

Methodology: The frequency and percentage of the presentation of cases by sex, geographic location and case contact were estimated. In relation to the disease: date of onset of symptoms, date of consultation, laboratory tests, date of discharge and final condition. The BAC was performed with a pre-structured format.

Results: Three cases of meningococcal meningitis were confirmed in children under five years of age belonging to the ICBF, one of them with final condition dead, confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid sample with positive result for Neisseria meningitidis with serogroup synD(Nm B). A total of 127 contacts were identified, 49 direct contacts of the three cases were vaccinated, and prophylactic treatment was given to 69 contacts of health personnel.

Conclusions: Meningococcal meningitis is a fatal disease of very rapid evolution with difficult complex clinical picture so prevention, control and surveillance actions of this disease should be intensified.