15 April 2004 Meningococcal Meningitis in Moscow: Update

Cases of meningococcal meningitis in Moscow are reported to be reduced as compared with the increased number of cases during 2003. The number of cases of meningococcal disease in children aged 0 - 14 years during January and February 2004 is reported to be 40% lower than during the same period in 2003.

In response to the increased number of cases in 2003 a vaccination campaign was undertaken in Moscow last November in which 600 000 people were immunised.

Recommendation for travellers to Moscow from the UK

The risk of acquiring meningococcal meningitis for individual travellers from the UK is believed to be very low.

Meningococcal immunisation is no longer recommended to travellers to Moscow.