An international outbreak among pilgrims returning from the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) and their close contacts was caused by W135 Neisseria meningitidis. In Singapore, this strain is a new emerging problem, clearly associated with this outbreak. We investigated the extent of transmission of N. meningitidis in Hajj pilgrims and their contacts, in order to provide evidence for developing a rational public health policy. We found a high acquisition rate of W135 N. meningitidis in Singaporean pilgrims during the Hajj with substantial transmission to their household contacts. These findings would support a policy of eradication of pharyngeal carriage in returning pilgrims to prevent introduction and dissemination of meningococci. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. and the International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.
CITATION STYLE
Wilder-Smith, A. (2003). W135 meningococcal carriage in association with the Hajj pilgrimage 2001: The Singapore experience. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 21(2), 112–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0924-8579(02)00355-2
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