Meningococcal disease: community outbreak investigation in the District of Ipiranga, city of São Paulo, in July, 2007

Abstract

Neisseiria meningitidis, which usually colonizes human respiratory tract, is a major endemic or epidemic disease cause. The objective of this investigation was to analyze the occurrence of a meningococcal disease (MD) outbreak in the administrative district (AD) of Ipiranga, in the southeast region of the city of São Paulo. In order to achieve these results, we employed: databanks for quick reporting of MD and databanks from SINANW and SINANNET, of the Center for Disease Prevention and Control, from the Municipal Secretary of Health of São Paulo (CCD/COVISA/SMS-SP), the SIAB (Basic Attention Information System), as well as field investigation. Between July 23th and 24th,2007, three MD cases were reported to CCD/COVISA/SMS-SP, all occuring in patients dwelling in Lot N from the Heliopolis Community, located in the Ipiranga AD, two of which by meningococcus C, with no deaths. This AD is presenting an average of 7,4 MD cases in the last five years, with incidence rates varying from 4,2, in 2002, to 10,2 per 100.000 inhabitants in 2006, and in the period and the location under study, attack rates were 89,52 per 100.000 inhabitants. After the characterization of the outbreak, we performed vaccination routines for the population from 2 months of age to 14 years-old. Actions integrated assisting areas, epidemiological surveillance (SUVIS, CCD, CVE) and laboratory (IAL), and was crucial for the adoption of adequate strategies for MD control, similar to the ones adopted in this outbreak.