Neisseria meningitidis is a highly infectious microbe causes outbreaks worldwide. Meningococcal disease (MD) always considers as a fatal disease and should be treated as a medical emergency.
Methodology
A team from filed epidemiology training program (FETP) travelled to Mecca to review the available information to establish the existence of an outbreak. Based on the data collected, the team decided to visit the Security forces hospital in Mecca, patient school and to interview the parents of the patients.
Results
Two confirmed cases of meningococcal disease in Mecca region. First case: A 12-year old Saudi female patient admitted and isolated immediately after suspicion of meningitis. Her blood culture was positive for Neisseria Meningitidis with serotyping compatible with type (Y). Second case: A three days old Saudi female newborn, late preterm 34 weeks. She was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit as a case of respiratory distress to rule out neonatal sepsis. Baby blood culture was positive for Neisseria Meningitidis, and the serotyping was compatible with type (B).
Conclusion
Both cases (1st and 2nd) were not vaccinated against meningococcal disease. Both cases were not related to each other because of different serotyping and different area of residency. Both patients improved after the completion of the antibiotic course and discharged home, and no new case appears after applied of appropriate treatment and control measure.