Epidemiological Characteristics of Meningococcal Meningitis in the Area of Zenica-Doboj Canton in Period from 2008 to 2012

INTRODUCTION: Meningococcal meningitis now represents a significant public health problem, not only in developing countries but also in developed ones. The disease usually occurs sporadically, and much less in smaller epidemics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of meningococcal meningitis in the area of Zenica-Doboj Canton in the five-year period from 2008 to 2012th. In total there were 38 reported and hospitalized patients, with an average of 7-8 patients per year. RESULTS: Most commonly disease occurred in infants and young children (28.9%). The highest number was recorded in 2011, 10 cases or (26.3%). Most patients in the monitored period were registered in the municipality of Zenica–12 cases (31.6%) and Zepce 8 cases (21.1%). All hospitalized patients were sporadic cases, there has never been an epidemic in the observed period. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemic Meningitis is a very serious disease and a significant public health problem that requires a serious medical scientific approach for its resolution, primarily in finding adequate vaccine and its administration.