What should we make of headlines like this? Is this true for Australia?
This disease is spiking in an Ontario city. But there's a vaccine - if you can afford it.
What is invasive meningococcal disease (IMD)?
IMD is a bacterial infection which can cause serious health issues including septicaemia, meningitis, heart disease and arthritis. The bacteria colonises the upper respiratory tract before spreading to other sites. This is why it is called invasive. We don’t know why it can remain asymptomatic in some people and be invasive in others.
IMD is not a common disease, but it can have serious consequences. About 10% will die and 10-20% will have a lifelong disability.
There have been 141 cases in Australia in the past 12 months (to the end of February 2024). This is slightly down on the 5-year average, but considerably down on the annual number of cases between 2006 and 2015.
There are 12 serotypes with 5 causing the majority of IMD cases (A, B, C, W, and Y). A 6th serotype, X, has been reported in outbreaks in Africa.
The Canadian article above is focused on one of the invasive meningococcal diseases, Meningitis B. Meningitis B remains the most common cause of IMD in children, adolescents and young adults in Australia.
How does the bacteria spread from person to person?
People transmit the disease from person to person by sharing upper respiratory tract secretions. It is usually by close contact rather than casual.
- Partners of a contact
- Close house mates (family or shared accommodation)
- College campuses, military recruits
- Microbiologists
Some health conditions can place the individual at a greater risk of disease (immune deficiency, sickle cell disease, absent or nonfunctioning spleen, HIV).
Living in some locations (sub–Saharan Africa) can also increase your risk of exposure, particularly during the dry season.
How is invasive meningococcal disease prevented?
Vaccination is the key to reducing IMD. This has been an evolving strategy in Australia. The vaccines of today are vastly different to those available in 2000.
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) has been responsive as more effective vaccines became available.
2003: Meningococcal C conjugate vaccine recommended and funded for all children at 12 months of age.
2017: Meningitis ACYW conjugate vaccine available through State based programs for children at 12 months.
2017: Meningitis B available in South Australia for year 10-12 students.
2020; Meningitis B funded for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under 12 months and people of all ages with a poorly functioning spleen or no spleen or using a particular medication called eculizumab.
Where do we stand now?
A reduction in group B meningococcal disease was found in the 2-year study of invasive disease in adolescents in South Australia.
The meningitis B vaccine, Bexero, is currently provided to all children at 12 months of age under a South Australian state-based program. It is also provided to adolescents in year 10.
In Queensland, the state-based program provides the vaccine to children under 2 years and for adolescents aged 15 to 19 years.
It remains to be seen whether the other states will change their eligibility requirements.
Two meningitis B vaccines (Bexero, Trumenba) are available in Australia in the private market.
The Meningitis ACYW vaccine is given in year 10 in all Australian states and territories.
Invasive Meningitis is a notifiable disease in Australia.
Did you know?
Jeff Beck, one of the world’s greatest guitarists, died suddenly of bacterial meningitis.
He was the front man of the Yardbirds, replacing Eric Clapton in 1965. He was named the 5th greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2023.
