Modern trends in mortality from meningococcal disease in Australia

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2009 Dec;28(12):1119-20. doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e3181accde8.

Abstract

Between 1979 and 2006, there were 610 deaths recorded as due to meningococcal disease in Australia. Mortality rates per capita consistently increased on average by 6% per annum between 1979 and 2002, but then fell significantly in 2003, coinciding with the introduction of the meningococcal C conjugate vaccine. In 2002, the mortality rate was 0.24 per 100,000. In the 4 years since, it fell progressively to 0.06 per 100,000. Since the introduction of conjugate Hib and pneumococcal vaccines, meningococcal disease has emerged as the number 1 infectious cause of death in children but conjugate meningococcal C vaccine appears to have greatly reduced total meningococcal disease deaths.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Meningococcal Infections / epidemiology
  • Meningococcal Infections / mortality*
  • Meningococcal Infections / prevention & control
  • Meningococcal Vaccines / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Meningococcal Vaccines