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New meningococcal B variant in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Press release
August 10, 2022
Vaccination strongly recommended for 0-2 year olds and 16-24 year olds in 205 municipalities in 4 departments of the region.
In recent months, 12 cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) B linked to a new variant have been detected in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The people concerned were mostly between the ages of 16 and 21 and had frequented the areas of Chambéry or eastern Lyon. In view of this situation, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Health Agency, in conjunction with various experts in the field, has defined preventive actions to be taken.
Vaccination recommended for residents aged 0-2 years and 16-24 years
A geographical area around Chambéry, representing 115 municipalities in Savoie, Isère and Ain, and an area in eastern Lyon representing 90 municipalities in Ain, Isère and Rhône have been defined. In these sectors, two populations at increased risk of IIM B have been identified:
Indeed, since 2022, the High Authority for Health (HAS) has included the recommendation of vaccination against meningococcal B for infants from 2 months and before the age of 2 years in the vaccination schedule .
The doctors of the different sectors have been informed of this specific situation and of the recommendation of this vaccination. The ARS has also raised the awareness of the mayors of the municipalities concerned. The target populations (parents of 0-2 year olds and 16-17 year olds as well as young adults aged 18-24) have received a letter encouraging them to contact their doctor now.
A vaccine reimbursed at 100%
As part of this campaign, the vaccine is subject to 100% reimbursement (65% health insurance and 35% mutual insurance) when purchased in pharmacies. For people who do not have mutual insurance, the vaccine is delivered free of charge in vaccination centers or pharmacies, the list of which is available on the ARS website.
Setting up a toll-free number
To answer questions about this vaccination campaign, ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has set up a toll-free number:
0 800 100 378
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Monday to Friday
Free call
Meningococcus B: transmission and symptoms
Meningococcal transmission occurs through close and prolonged contact with a sick person or a healthy carrier (person who is a carrier of the bacteria but who is not sick and therefore has no symptoms).
In general, meningococci do not lead to particular affections. However, in some cases, they can cause very serious illnesses such as meningitis or septicemia.
The disease is most often manifested by the following signs: fever, severe headache, frequently accompanied by vomiting.
Two symptoms should particularly alert:
https://www.auvergne-rhone-alpes.ars...ne-rhone-alpes
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INTERVIEW. Meningitis: a new variant of meningococcal B kills one in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the ARS "encourages vaccination"
Published on 08/11/2022 at 4:36 p.m.
Written by Margot Desmas
ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is launching a vaccination campaign against meningitis after the appearance of a new variant of the bacterium which has already caused one death and two serious cases. Two age groups, 0-2 years and 16-24 years, are concerned.
Twelve cases including one fatal. A new variant of meningococcal B detected in the regions of Chambéry and Lyon alerts the health authorities. The Regional Health Agency (ARS) is launching a vaccination campaign in 205 municipalities close to these sectors in order to stop its spread. Anne-Sophie Ronnaux-Baron, head of the regional health monitoring center at ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is in charge of monitoring the disease.
How many cases of meningitis have been declared in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes?
“We have recorded 27 cases of meningococcal B meningitis for a year and there have been 12 cases corresponding to a new variant. Among these 12 cases, there is one death, one case with sequelae and another with purpura fulminans, small purplish red spots which appear all over the body and which are generally a poor prognosis.
What do we know about this new variant?
For the moment, we do not have many scientific elements concerning this new variant since it is recent. The situation was under surveillance until now, it was not alarming. But we were forced to reflect on the implementation of specific actions because the threshold and the incidence of these invasive meningococcal B infections were too high.
What is the emergence of this variant linked to?
It is not uncommon to see new variants emerge. We have seen this with the Covid which has experienced several successive variants. For meningococcus B, we are in the same situation.
What are the symptoms that should alert?
The disease is most often manifested by fever, severe headaches which are often accompanied by vomiting. He may also have the appearance of purpura, red spots that can appear quickly. This purpura is generally of poor prognosis and may be accompanied by a high fever which is poorly tolerated. In the event of the appearance of these signs, especially high fever and this famous purpura, you must contact 15 urgently.
There may also be impaired consciousness, diarrhea, intolerance to light or noise, stiff neck, significant body aches, great fatigue, drowsiness as well as paralysis or eye level or even seizures. All these symptoms already mark the severity of the disease.
How is the disease transmitted?
This disease is transmitted by the environment, by close, prolonged contact with a healthy carrier - a person who is a carrier of meningococcus B but who is not sick. This bacterium will then be transmitted, for example, by coughing, sputtering or sneezing.
What are the risks associated with a high number of cases, as has been the case for a few months?
This infection can cause either sequelae or death. We have prevention through vaccination that we can implement. The ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has decided to recommend a certain number of measures including vaccination for the age groups concerned by this hyperendemic situation [a geographically localized epidemic, Ed] which is becoming worrying. To avoid the appearance of new cases, we must encourage vaccination against meningococcal B.
Two age groups, 0-2 years and 16-24 years, are targeted by this vaccination campaign. For what reasons ?
The 12 cases of new variant that have been identified in recent months were mainly aged 16 to 21 years. This is why, within the framework of the actions and recommendations of the ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, we recommend vaccination for 16-24 year olds who are in two sectors: an area located around Chambéry and another on East of Lyons. In total, for this hyperendemic situation, we have four departments of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes which are concerned: Savoie, Rhône, Ain and Isère.
We have sent a letter to all insured persons aged 16 to 24 concerned in these two areas, but also to the parents of children aged 0 to 2 years because children can be contaminated. Also because, since April 2022, vaccination against meningococcal B is recommended for children of this age. This recommendation is included in the vaccination schedule, independently of this hyperendemic situation.
What about reimbursement for meningitis vaccination?
For age groups from 16 to 24 years, the vaccine will be covered by Social Security and by mutual insurance only if these people are part of the two geographical areas affected by this hyperendemic situation. If they are not part of these areas, the purchase of the vaccine cannot be reimbursed."
https://france3-regions.francetvinfo...n-2595008.html
New meningococcal B variant in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Press release
August 10, 2022
Vaccination strongly recommended for 0-2 year olds and 16-24 year olds in 205 municipalities in 4 departments of the region.
In recent months, 12 cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) B linked to a new variant have been detected in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The people concerned were mostly between the ages of 16 and 21 and had frequented the areas of Chambéry or eastern Lyon. In view of this situation, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Health Agency, in conjunction with various experts in the field, has defined preventive actions to be taken.
Vaccination recommended for residents aged 0-2 years and 16-24 years
A geographical area around Chambéry, representing 115 municipalities in Savoie, Isère and Ain, and an area in eastern Lyon representing 90 municipalities in Ain, Isère and Rhône have been defined. In these sectors, two populations at increased risk of IIM B have been identified:
- Young people aged 16-24 who live in or occasionally visit these sectors (home, employment, studies, outings);
- Children 0-2 years old: the new variant can also be transmitted to this age group.
Indeed, since 2022, the High Authority for Health (HAS) has included the recommendation of vaccination against meningococcal B for infants from 2 months and before the age of 2 years in the vaccination schedule .
The doctors of the different sectors have been informed of this specific situation and of the recommendation of this vaccination. The ARS has also raised the awareness of the mayors of the municipalities concerned. The target populations (parents of 0-2 year olds and 16-17 year olds as well as young adults aged 18-24) have received a letter encouraging them to contact their doctor now.
A vaccine reimbursed at 100%
As part of this campaign, the vaccine is subject to 100% reimbursement (65% health insurance and 35% mutual insurance) when purchased in pharmacies. For people who do not have mutual insurance, the vaccine is delivered free of charge in vaccination centers or pharmacies, the list of which is available on the ARS website.
Setting up a toll-free number
To answer questions about this vaccination campaign, ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has set up a toll-free number:
0 800 100 378
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Monday to Friday
Free call
Meningococcus B: transmission and symptoms
Meningococcal transmission occurs through close and prolonged contact with a sick person or a healthy carrier (person who is a carrier of the bacteria but who is not sick and therefore has no symptoms).
In general, meningococci do not lead to particular affections. However, in some cases, they can cause very serious illnesses such as meningitis or septicemia.
The disease is most often manifested by the following signs: fever, severe headache, frequently accompanied by vomiting.
Two symptoms should particularly alert:
- a poorly tolerated high fever,
- and/or one or more rapidly appearing red or purplish spots (purpura).
https://www.auvergne-rhone-alpes.ars...ne-rhone-alpes
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERVIEW. Meningitis: a new variant of meningococcal B kills one in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the ARS "encourages vaccination"
Published on 08/11/2022 at 4:36 p.m.
Written by Margot Desmas
ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is launching a vaccination campaign against meningitis after the appearance of a new variant of the bacterium which has already caused one death and two serious cases. Two age groups, 0-2 years and 16-24 years, are concerned.
Twelve cases including one fatal. A new variant of meningococcal B detected in the regions of Chambéry and Lyon alerts the health authorities. The Regional Health Agency (ARS) is launching a vaccination campaign in 205 municipalities close to these sectors in order to stop its spread. Anne-Sophie Ronnaux-Baron, head of the regional health monitoring center at ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is in charge of monitoring the disease.
How many cases of meningitis have been declared in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes?
“We have recorded 27 cases of meningococcal B meningitis for a year and there have been 12 cases corresponding to a new variant. Among these 12 cases, there is one death, one case with sequelae and another with purpura fulminans, small purplish red spots which appear all over the body and which are generally a poor prognosis.
What do we know about this new variant?
For the moment, we do not have many scientific elements concerning this new variant since it is recent. The situation was under surveillance until now, it was not alarming. But we were forced to reflect on the implementation of specific actions because the threshold and the incidence of these invasive meningococcal B infections were too high.
What is the emergence of this variant linked to?
It is not uncommon to see new variants emerge. We have seen this with the Covid which has experienced several successive variants. For meningococcus B, we are in the same situation.
What are the symptoms that should alert?
The disease is most often manifested by fever, severe headaches which are often accompanied by vomiting. He may also have the appearance of purpura, red spots that can appear quickly. This purpura is generally of poor prognosis and may be accompanied by a high fever which is poorly tolerated. In the event of the appearance of these signs, especially high fever and this famous purpura, you must contact 15 urgently.
There may also be impaired consciousness, diarrhea, intolerance to light or noise, stiff neck, significant body aches, great fatigue, drowsiness as well as paralysis or eye level or even seizures. All these symptoms already mark the severity of the disease.
How is the disease transmitted?
This disease is transmitted by the environment, by close, prolonged contact with a healthy carrier - a person who is a carrier of meningococcus B but who is not sick. This bacterium will then be transmitted, for example, by coughing, sputtering or sneezing.
What are the risks associated with a high number of cases, as has been the case for a few months?
This infection can cause either sequelae or death. We have prevention through vaccination that we can implement. The ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has decided to recommend a certain number of measures including vaccination for the age groups concerned by this hyperendemic situation [a geographically localized epidemic, Ed] which is becoming worrying. To avoid the appearance of new cases, we must encourage vaccination against meningococcal B.
Two age groups, 0-2 years and 16-24 years, are targeted by this vaccination campaign. For what reasons ?
The 12 cases of new variant that have been identified in recent months were mainly aged 16 to 21 years. This is why, within the framework of the actions and recommendations of the ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, we recommend vaccination for 16-24 year olds who are in two sectors: an area located around Chambéry and another on East of Lyons. In total, for this hyperendemic situation, we have four departments of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes which are concerned: Savoie, Rhône, Ain and Isère.
We have sent a letter to all insured persons aged 16 to 24 concerned in these two areas, but also to the parents of children aged 0 to 2 years because children can be contaminated. Also because, since April 2022, vaccination against meningococcal B is recommended for children of this age. This recommendation is included in the vaccination schedule, independently of this hyperendemic situation.
What about reimbursement for meningitis vaccination?
For age groups from 16 to 24 years, the vaccine will be covered by Social Security and by mutual insurance only if these people are part of the two geographical areas affected by this hyperendemic situation. If they are not part of these areas, the purchase of the vaccine cannot be reimbursed."
https://france3-regions.francetvinfo...n-2595008.html