Statistics

Collecting accurate data on the incidence of meningitis from various causes in countries around the world relies on surveillance systems being in place. In some countries these systems are well advanced while in others they are rudimentary.

Streptococcal and Hib bacteria also cause pneumonia and other serious disease as well as meningitis and although incidence of infection by these bacteria may be reported they are often not divided by disease. 

CoMO member PneumoACTION  (Baltimore, USA) have interactive maps on their website which show the incidence of pneumococcal disease around the world.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) hold a great deal of information on epidemic meningitis outbreaks in Africa by meningococcal bacteria, which includes weekly reports and annual evaluations.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in various areas and countries such as those in the USA and Europe may also hold data on the incidence of notifiable diseases such as meningococcal disease. For example annual incidence survey data for some American states for meningococcal disease, pneumococcal disease and Hib disease can be found here.

Health authorities and reference laboratories in individual countries are also potential sources of data on disease incidence.