A sixth case of invasive meningococcal B infection of a “rare” strain has been reported to the Grand Est Regional Health Agency.
The Grand-Est Regional Health Agency (ARS) has reported invasive meningococcal group B infections (IIMB) in young adults in the Strasbourg region.
Since mid-November, six cases have been detected (one of the cases concerned a person from Colmar, in the neighboring Haut-Rhin), including one fatal.
The ARS calls for vigilance
Health authorities recall that meningococci are bacteria capable of causing illnesses such as meningitis or sepsis. They are transmitted through the air or through saliva and are located in the throat and nose. The latest case concerns a 16-year-old boy residing in Bas-Rhin, who had to be hospitalized.
The ARS adds that “The case residing in Colmar has indirect links with the Strasbourg conurbation through several people around him”.
Meningitis: a “rare” strain
In its press release of Monday, January 9, the ARS specifies that the strain responsible for these cases is “rare and hitherto unknown in the Grand Est”.
Be that as it may, specifies the ARS, “Epidemiological investigations have made it possible to identify and treat preventively by antibiotics people who have been in contact at risk with this sixth case”.
A call for vaccination
Since the beginning of December, a vaccination campaign has been launched. And on January 5, 151 people had received a first dose once morest meningococcal B through the international vaccination center of the new civil hospital in Strasbourg.
The ARS of the Grand-Est and Public Health France therefore call once more for vaccination; a message specifically addressed “to the public frequenting the night-time festive places of Strasbourg city center and to the professionals of these places”.
An appointment for this purpose can be made through the Doctolib platformat the international vaccination center at the civil hospital, at their doctor’s office or directly in pharmacy. The vaccine is fully reimbursed by theHealth Insurance.
