An Overview of the outbreak of Meningococcal meningitis in Loreto region, Peru, August 2024

Abstract

The August 2024 outbreak of Meningococcal meningitis (Serotype B) in Peru's Loreto region presents an unusual epidemiological case worthy of detailed examination. The outbreak in San Antonio del Estrecho, Putamayo Province, affected individuals aged 13-18 years, with 20 suspected cases, 7 confirmed cases and one fatality, leading to a case fatality rate of 14.2%. The age of the infected is particularly noteworthy as Serotype B typically infects infants and young children rather than adolescents. This outbreak highlights gaps in Peru's public health infrastructure, particularly the absence of routine meningococcal vaccination programs and limited surveillance capabilities in the regions. While the Ministry of Health of Peru's rapid response effectively contained the outbreak, the incident highlights the vulnerability of Peru's population to meningococcal disease. This Watching brief demonstrates the urgent need for enhanced surveillance systems, expanded vaccination programs and improved provider training in meningococcal disease recognition. These findings are particularly relevant as the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization work towards their 2030 goals of reducing meningitis outbreaks by 50% and associated deaths by 70% in the Americas.