Abstract:

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of meningococcal meningitis （MM）in children aged 0 ~ 2 years among Anhui province from 2004 to 2019，to evaluate the effect of immunization strategy，and to provide evidence for the control and prevention of MM. Methods The descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze data from China information system for disease control and prevention during 2004- 2019. Results from 2004 to 2019，124 MM cases were reported totally，and the average annual incidence rate of MM among children aged 0 ~ 2 years in Anhui was 0.33/100 000，the average annual death rate was 0.10/100 000， the average annual fatality rate was 29.84%. Most MM cases among children aged 0 ~ 2 years occurred during winter⁃ spring. The case number and annual incidence rate of Hefei were highest. Serogroup A ，serogroup B and serogroup C were detected in cases，moreover，Serogroup A and serogroup C cases occurred before 2009，Serogroup B cases occurred after 2012. Antibody level against serogroup A and serogroup C declined among 69 children aged 0 ~ 2 years after primary vaccination，positive rates of antibodies against serogroup A and serogroup C were 84.06% and 47.83% in children when they were three years old. Conclusion The reported incidence of MM cases in children aged 0 ~ 2 years declined from the peak and remained at a low and sporadic level in recent years in Anhui during 2004-2019. The adjustment of primary immunization strategy in Anhui Province was targeted. Serogroup B cases occurred in recent years. Antibody level against serogroup A and serogroup C declined among children declined after primary immunization. Booster immunity in time was required. Strengthening immunization and enhancing surveillance were recommended.

Key words:

meningococcal meningitis, epidemiological characteristics