Meningococcal disease, India/Meningococcie, Indie.(OUTBREAK NEWS/LE POINT SUR LES EPIDEMIES)

As of 16 May 2005, 303 cases, with 26 deaths, of meningococcal disease have been reported in Delhi, India. The majority of cases and all deaths have occurred in young adult populations, in people aged between 16 and 30 years. The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) has demonstrated the presence of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A in cerebrospinal fluid obtained from 18 cases. Most of the reported cases are from the walled city of Old Delhi and Shahdara.

National authorities have established a coordination mechanism and a group of experts comprising the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Committee, hospitals, NICD, WHO and other relevant institutions. This group is chaired by the Director General of Health Services, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Surveillance for early detection of cases, case management and prevention of spread of the disease have been stepped up. A 24-hour control room has been established in NICD. Technical guidelines …