84 cases of invasive meningococcal infections were recorded in France in December 2022 by Public Health France. In recent months, outbreaks have been identified in several regions, particularly in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
“After more than two years of low incidence, in connection with the measures put in place during the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of invasive meningococcal infections (IMDs) has been on the rise since October 2022”, underlined the health authority in an epidemiological point carried out last January. Before completing: “With 84 cases of IMD reported in December 2022, the incidence is at a high level, and has exceeded the monthly peak generally observed later in the winter seasons preceding the Covid-19 pandemic ( peak between January and March depending on the season). »
What is it about ? Acute meningitis reflects an inflammation of the meninges which are the protective envelopes of the brain and spinal cord. This cerebrospinal fluid infection is most often caused by a virus or bacteria. While viral meningitis is the most common, bacterial meningitis is the most serious. Among these, meningococci are bacteria that can cause very serious illnesses such as meningitis or septicemia. The transmission of meningococci is done by nasopharyngeal secretions, that is to say during coughing, by saliva or by postillions. Generally, the incubation period ranges from 2 to 10 days.
Headaches, high fever and the presence of rapidly appearing red or purple spots (purpura) on the skin are signs that should quickly alert you and prompt you to consult the 15. Meningococcus B can also manifest itself in disorders consciousness, a pale or even gray face color, diarrhea and vomiting, intolerance to light or noise, stiff neck, severe body aches, severe fatigue, severe drowsiness, eye paralysis or convulsions list the regional health agency.
“A suspicion of invasive meningococcal disease requires prompt medical attention and emergency transfer to hospital. Management includes the administration of antibiotics (C3G) intravenously if possible or intramuscularly”, details Public Health France. The National Public Health Agency reports about 50 to 60 deaths per year (about 10 to 12% of cases). In addition, 10 to 20% of sequelae can be disabling.
What vaccinations? Vaccination against serogroup C meningococcal infections is recommended for infants, children and adolescents up to 24 years of age. This vaccination is compulsory for children born from January 1, 2018 with a first dose at the age of 5 months followed by a booster at 12 months.
“There are also vaccines against serogroup B meningococcal infections and vaccines against serogroup A, C, W, Y infections (tetravalent ACWY vaccines). These vaccines are recommended for certain population groups (immunocompromised people or people at risk of IIM), ”recalls Public Health France. In France, invasive meningococcal infections are notifiable diseases. Questioned by France Inter, Professor Daniel Floret, professor of pediatrics and vice-president of the technical commission for vaccinations at the Haute Autorité de santé explained that the recommendations were being reviewed and that an extension of the recommendations was possible. .
