An outbreak of serogroup B:15:P1.16 meningococcal disease, Frederiksborg County, Denmark, 1987-9

Abstract

Epidemiological features of an outbreak of group B:15:P1.16 meningococcal disease (MD) in Frederiksborg county, Denmark, 1987-9, were investigated. The study comprised 149 cases notified during the outbreak and the two preceding years; 115 were confirmed by the isolation of Neisseria meningitidis. In 1989 the incidence had increased to 14.1 per 100,000 population. Among group B strains, B:15:P1.16 accounted for 80% (77/97). The overall mortality rate was 10% (15/149). Regarding cases due to group B:15:P1.16 strains a significant time-space clustering, which exclusively occurred within the 10-19 years age group, was demonstrated. The link between cases within clusters was indirect or unknown, except for ten patients with contact to one particular school. The prophylactic measures used included administration of rifampicin to household contacts. During the outbreak the proportion of secondary cases was high (6-15%). All secondary cases occurred outside the household indicating that the household had been protected.