Emergence and disappearance of W135 meningococcal disease

Abstract

W135 meningococcal disease was imported into Singapore in 2000 via Hajj pilgrims. Previous studies have showed sustained carriage of W135 with the potential for further transmission within communities. We therefore set out to determine whether W135 meningococcal disease would become endemic in Singapore after its introduction in 2000. Cases occurred until 2003, but no further cases have been reported since 2004. Copyright © 2009 Cambridge University Press.