DYNAMICS OF MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTION RATE IN THE REPUBLIC OF KARELIA

The paper presents the results of an epidemiological analysis of the incidence of meningococcal infection in the Republic of Karelia over epidemic and interepidemic periods. Year over year meningococcal infection rate in the Republic has been remaining to be higher than similar data in Russian Federation. In the years of epidemiological outbreak the number of regions being affected and the disease incidence in children under 14 increases. The largest lethality has been observed in the beginning of epidemiological outbreak. The results of the study indicate the exchange of the leader of meningococcus of serogroup В by meningococcus of serogroup C and A. In the absence of planned vaccinal prevention there remains the threat for the rise of meningococcal infection rate.