Meningococcal pathogen causing meningitis spreads

Meningitis: Increase in meningococcal W disease in Europe

Meningococcal diseases are currently very rare in Germany. Nevertheless, there are always deaths in Germany due to the dangerous germs. In addition, experts now point out that there has been an increase in meningococcal W infections in European countries for some time now. These can often be deadly.

Bacteria are usually transmitted by droplet infection

Meningococci are bacteria that settle in the nasopharyngeal space of humans, where they are detectable in about ten percent of the population without any signs of clinical symptoms, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). They are most commonly transmitted by droplet infection. The bacteria are released into the air when speaking, coughing or sneezing in small droplets from the nasopharynx and can be inhaled from a short distance. Among other things, the pathogens can lead to bacterial meningitis. This is rare but dangerous. For some time, meningococcal infections in Europe have been caused by a serotype that was previously known mainly from Africa.

For some time meningococcal infections have been caused by serotype W in some European countries. This is considered particularly dangerous. Travelers should therefore have as comprehensive a vaccination protection as possible. (Image: Richard Villalon / fotolia.com)

Increase in infections by the serotype W

As the CRM Center for Travel Medicine explains in a communication, meningococci of the species Neisseria meningitidis - the causative agents of dangerous meningitis - are found in twelve different serotypes worldwide.

Traditionally, serotypes B and C predominate in Europe. The so-called meningitis belt in sub-Saharan Africa was dominated by the serotype A until a few years ago, but now the type W predominates significantly.

For some time now, several European countries, such as the Netherlands and England, have also experienced an increase in infections caused by the serotype W..

According to the experts, "MenW" is one of the meningococcal infections that are most often fatal.

Travelers, especially exchange students and students, should have the most comprehensive protection against meningococcal disease, advises the CRM Center for Travel Medicine. The institute recommends immune protection against all currently vaccine-preventable serogroups A, B, C, W and Y..

In Germany, mainly meningococci of type B and C occur

According to the information, in the Netherlands in the first five months of this year, 57 people have already suffered from meningitis of the type W, eleven have died from the infection.

Thus, the number of infections caused by this type of pathogen is already above the - also strikingly - total number in 2017.

In response to this increase, the Dutch government has already approved row vaccinations last year to protect toddlers and primary school children with a combination vaccine against serotypes A, C, W and Y..

"Even in England, where a rise in this serotype was already noticeable a few years ago, the quadruple vaccine was added to the national vaccination program two and a half years ago," explains Professor Tomas Jelinek, Scientific Director of CRM.

There, he replaced the single vaccine against type C meningococci. In Germany, only the vaccine against meningococcal type C continues to be included in the vaccination calendar of the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO).

In this country, mainly meningococci of type B and C occur. The incidence has been decreasing since 2003. In 2017, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) registered 288 cases, with more than 70 percent of them being meningococcal B infections.

Infection often leads to blood poisoning or meningitis

Meningococci are transmitted by droplet infection and can basically cause two different clinical pictures:

The eponymous meningitis (meningitis) and blood poisoning (sepsis), which can also occur together. "Both diseases develop extremely fast and can be fatal," says Jelinek.

Therefore, as soon as possible, a doctor must be consulted and an antibiotic treatment initiated.

The problem is that the typical symptoms such as fever, fatigue and nausea are rather unspecific and can resemble a flu or a strong cold.

"Meningitis alarm signals include stiff neck, intense photosensitivity, and sometimes seizures," explains Jelinek.

Sepsis, on the other hand, is manifested in body aches, fast, flat breathing, and pale, blotchy skin. The spots are caused by small bleeding and can not be "pushed away" in contrast to a normal rash.

Meningococcal infection can be fatal despite medical treatment. For example, a few months ago in Hesse, an eight-year-old child had died of the disease.

In addition, some survivors struggle with long-term consequences such as deafness, learning difficulties or other cognitive problems.

Infections at any age

According to the experts, meningococcal infections can occur at any age, but are particularly common in two age groups: Mostly affected are children in the 1st and 2nd year of life and 15- to 19-year-old adolescents.

Beyond the age of 25, the disease is rare, unless there are special risk factors.

"The incubation period is usually 3 to 4 days, but it can also be between 2 and 10 days," writes the RKI.

Comprehensive vaccination especially for younger travelers

Younger travelers in particular should have the widest possible protection against meningococcal infections, advises the CRM Center for Travel Medicine.

The institute recommends immune protection against all currently vaccine-preventable serogroups A, B, C, W and Y..

This is particularly important for travelers up to the age of 25, especially if they have close contact with the local population or stay overnight in shared accommodation.

This mainly affects exchange students and students. The risk of contracting meningococci is particularly high in this group. (Ad)