Abstract
Between October 2012 and May 2013, five cases of invasive meningococcal disease in young men who have sex with men (MSM) living in Berlin were notified to local health authorities in Germany. Three of the five cases died. All were caused by serogroup C variants with the finetype P1.5-1,10-8:F3-6. Awareness was increased through the use of community networks; an extension of the existing vaccination recommendation to all MSM is currently being considered.
Highlights
Between October 2012 and May 2013, five cases of invasive meningococcal disease in young men who have sex with men (MSM) living in Berlin were notified to local health authorities in Germany
As of 2 July 2013, 208 cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) were reported in Germany since the beginning of the year, which is similar to previous years (2012: 189 cases; 2011: 224 cases)
Among the cases reported from Berlin (n=17) were three cases of IMD due to MenC in young men who have sex with men (MSM)
Summary
A cluster of invasive meningococcal disease in young men who have sex with men in Berlin, October 2012 to May 2013. Between October 2012 and May 2013, five cases of invasive meningococcal disease in young men who have sex with men (MSM) living in Berlin were notified to local health authorities in Germany. Among the cases reported from Berlin (n=17) were three cases of IMD due to MenC in young men who have sex with men (MSM). In addition to routine childhood vaccination, STIKO recommends vaccination against serogroups A, C, W135 and Y for high-risk individuals independent of their age (i.e. patients with asplenia or immunocompromised individuals including those infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)). Vaccines are free of charge in Germany if officially recommended, but can otherwise be individually purchased if prescribed by a physician
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