Current Epidemiology and Trends in Meningococcal Disease—United States, 1996-2015

Abstract

Background

In 2005, meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) was recommended for routine use among adolescents aged 11–18 years. This report describes the epidemiologic features of meningococcal disease and trends in meningococcal disease incidence following MenACWY introduction in the United States.

Methods

Incidence rates and case-fatality ratios by age group and serogroup during 2006–2015 were calculated using data from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS); changes in incidence during this time were evaluated. Additionally, 20-year trends (1996–2015) in age- and race-standardized incidence were examined using data from Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs).

Results

During the years 2006–2015, 7,924 cases of meningococcal disease were reported to NNDSS, resulting in an average annual incidence of 0.26 cases per 100,000 population; 14.9% of cases were fatal. Among cases with serogroup information, 2,290 (35.8%) were serogroup B, 1,827 (28.5%) were serogroup Y, 1,457 (22.8%) were serogroup C, 436 (6.8%) were serogroup W, and 392 (6.1%) were other serogroups. The incidence of serogroups A, C, W, and Y combined declined 76% among persons aged 11–20 years from 2006–2010 to 2011–2015 (p<.0001). From 1996-2015, the incidence of meningococcal disease declined among all age groups and predominant serogroups.

Conclusions

Declines in meningococcal disease incidence in the United States have been observed among all age groups and predominant serogroups (B, C, and Y). Reductions in the incidence of meningococcal disease due to serogroups A, C, W, and Y among adolescents suggest an impact of the MenACWY vaccine program in this age group.