W135 Meningococcal Disease in Africa1 (original) (raw)

2003, Emerging Infectious Diseases

AI-generated Abstract

Epidemic meningococcal disease, particularly affecting sub-Saharan Africa, has been a longstanding issue, exacerbated by factors such as crowded living conditions and population movements. While serogroup A has historically dominated, recent outbreaks of W135 and other serogroups necessitate a shift in vaccination strategies towards comprehensive, multivalent-conjugate vaccines. The urgent need for sustainable and accessible vaccine programs in Africa is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity of various serogroups to effectively mitigate the risk of future epidemics.