Highlight - Meningitis C in the gay male community

On June 24, 2013, the InVS issued an alert regarding the reporting in the Île-de-France region between June 13 and 20, 2013, of three cases of invasive meningococcal C (IMC) infection, all three of phenotype :2a:P1.5, in men aged 29 to 46, who are men who have sex with men (MSM). There is no epidemiological link between the three cases. For two of the cases, there is evidence of visits to Parisian gay social venues in the 10 days prior to their hospitalization. Analyses conducted by the CNR show that the three strains are genotypically very similar. This cluster of three cases does not currently constitute an epidemic, but several gatherings involving the MSM community are planned in France in the coming weeks (including Europride in Marseille from July 10 to 20), and could contribute to the emergence of new cases of MII C. In this context, on July 1, 2013, the HCSP issued an advisory in response to an urgent referral from the DGS: http://www.hcsp.fr/Explore.cgi/avisrapportsdomaine?clefr=356. According to the HCSP’s opinion of July 1, 2013, vaccination is recommended during the summer months for MSM over the age of 24 who live in the Île-de-France region and frequent Parisian gay social venues or meeting places, as well as for those residing in France who wish to attend a gay gathering organized within the country or in Europe.