2023-04-21 13:06:35
21 avril 2023
Cases of invasive meningococcal infections, responsible for acute meningitis, have been on the rise in recent months in France. So much so that the ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has launched a vaccination campaign once morest meningococcal B for 0-2 and 16-24 year olds.
After two years of pandemic, Public Health France warns of an increase in invasive meningococcal infections (IIM), these serious bacterial diseases which most often manifest themselves in the form of meningitis. “A peak in incidence was observed in December 2022 (…). This [dernier] was early compared to the seasonal peak observed during the pre-pandemic seasons (peak between January and March depending on the season) “, Underlines the health authority in a bulletin published Thursday, April 20.
In all, in this month of December 2022 alone, a total of 84 cases had been declared. Since December, the number of contaminations has remained high, well above the levels observed in the pre-pandemic months of January, February and March.
In detail, serogroup B is the majority with 53% of cases. ” These infections particularly affect young adults, aged 15 to 24, and infants “, emphasizes Public Health France. IIM B outbreaks have been observed in Strasbourg and in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
A vaccination campaign launched in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in particular, a new variant of meningococcal B was detected in the area of Chambéry and recently in the east of Lyon. “Since September 2021, 17 cases of IIM linked to this new meningococcal B variant have been identified in Auvergne Rhône Alpes. One of the patients died and several remained in intensive care for ten days, with a risk of sequelae for some”, relays the ARS of the region in a press release of April 20.
She explains that she launched a vaccination campaign once morest meningococcal B for 0-2 year olds and 16-24 year olds in the two geographical areas concerned. The strain would still be active in eastern Lyon following the occurrence of new cases. In its press release, the ARS strongly recommends vaccination.
According to Public Health France, two hypotheses can explain such an upsurge in IIMs: declining immunity following the years of the pandemic and respect for barrier gestures. Another possible explanation: an increase in viral infections such as the flu in this 2022/2023 season. As a reminder, these seasonal viruses can indeed lead to a risk of invasive bacterial infection with meningococci and streptococci.
Why does meningococcus cause IMI?
The fact of being a meningococcal carrier does not mean that this carrier will become ill. “The factors of occurrence are multiple: those linked to the bacterium (virulence of the strain) and/or those linked to the host (altered immunological defences, in particular the impaired complement pathway, and state of the mucosa breathing, especially following the flu) “, specifies Public Health France.
How is meningococcus transmitted?
Transmission occurs through nasopharyngeal secretions during prolonged and close contact with a patient or a healthy carrier. It is favored in communities and within the family home. Incubation lasts 2-10 days, with an average of 3-4 days.
What are the symptoms ?
The Ameli.fr site specifies that the symptoms vary according to the age of the patient. Among the main symptoms are:
- Fever ;
- Severe headaches;
- Vomitings ;
- A stiff neck;
- Intolerance to light;
- A gray or mottled complexion;
- Consciousness disorders;
- Localized lesions of the central nervous system;
- Significant aches.
IMI can also manifest as sepsis. The most severe form is lightning purple characterized by septic shock and extensive necrotic purpura,” confirms Public Health France.
An invasive meningococcal infection is a life-threatening emergency that requires rapid medical attention. The treatment “includes the administration of antibiotics (C3G) intravenously if possible or intramuscularly”, details the health authority.
What prevention?
In France, vaccination once morest meningococcal C infections is compulsory for infants born from the 1is January 2018. It is recommended until the age of 24. For group B, vaccination is only recommended. Vaccination once morest meningococci is generally recommended for people at risk, such as immunocompromised people and contact cases.
To note : « twelve serogroups are known, strains A, B, C, Y and W being responsible for almost all invasive meningococcal infections “, attests Public Health France.
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Source : Public health France, Ameli.fr, ARS Auvergne Rhône Alpes
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Written by : Dorothée Duchemin – Edited by Laura Bourgault
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