Epidemiology of meningococcal meningitis in China,2009-2010 season

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of meningococcal meningitis in China (except Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan areas) and provide evidence for the disease prevention and control. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conduct on the incidence data of meningococcal meningitis from October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010 in China, which were collected from national disease reporting information system. Results The incidence of meningococcal meningitis declined by 50.98% in 2009-2010 season compared with that in 2008-2009 season. The cases were mainly distributed m 5 provinces (45.10%). The cases in age group 0-14 years accounted for 62.61% of the total, and the incidence in young children aged 2 years was highest. Conclusion It is still necessary to continue the surveillance of acute encephalitis/meningitis syndrome in the context of consecutive decline of reporting meningococcal meningitis incidence in China and strengthen the primary vaccination of meningococcal meningitis in children less than 2 years old. Chemoprophylaxis of sulfamido or quinolones is not recommended