Meningitis, surveillance and prophylaxis for contacts also in Italy after cases in Kent

The risk in the general population of the European Union related to the "outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease in the English county of Kent" is "considered very low". However, in any case, the Ministry of Health urges the Regions and Autonomous Provinces of Italy to "ensure the reporting of any cases of meningitis to the national surveillance systems" and to strengthen surveillance measures. This is stated in the circular - reviewed by Adnkronos Salute - signed yesterday by the head of the Department of Prevention of the ministry, Maria Rosaria Campitiello, and sent not only to the Regions but also to all relevant entities and institutions, including the Enac (National Agency for Civil Aviation), but it does not contain indications for airports.

Narrative in the circular summarizes the epidemiological situation in England as of March 17, provided by the UK Health Security Agency (Ukhsa) (the British agency for health and health services) which has received "notification of 9 confirmed cases and 11 probable cases of invasive meningococcal disease with epidemiological links to Canterbury, Kent. Among these, there have been 2 deaths. French authorities have notified Ukhsa of a confirmed case in France, related to an individual who attended the University of Kent. The cases primarily involve young people aged 17 to 21, some of whom are university students. In 6 of the 9 confirmed cases, the B serogroup has been identified. Possible exposure locations include a nightclub in Canterbury (Club Chemistry), presumably between March 5 and 7, and the University of Kent.

The risk for the general population in the EU is considered "very low - it reads in the circular - Among those who have been exposed, the risk of infection is low for individuals vaccinated against meningococcus B and moderate for unvaccinated close contacts of cases. Among the close contacts of cases, it is advisable to implement targeted control measures, including the administration of antibiotics for preventive purposes and vaccination against meningococcus B, based on an individual risk assessment, although after 10 days from exposure, the risk of disease is very low.

These are, in detail, the recommendations of the Ministry of Health to Regions and Autonomous Provinces contained in the circular: 1) Strengthen the epidemiological assessment of cases of invasive meningococcal disease with particular attention to individuals with a recent travel history to the United Kingdom (Canterbury/Kent area); 2) Ensure the timely identification and management of any close contacts of the case, who should receive chemoprophylaxis and possible vaccination against meningococcus B if not previously vaccinated and be monitored for at least 10 days from the last exposure; 3) Any exposed individuals must receive chemoprophylaxis and vaccination against meningococcus B if not previously vaccinated; 4) Ensure the timely reporting of any cases of meningitis to the national surveillance systems; 5) Encourage, where possible, activities for molecular typing and sequencing also through support, where necessary, from the National Reference Laboratory for invasive meningococcal disease at the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Higher Institute of Health for cluster monitoring.