Meningococcal Outbreak Escalates in Russia as Adult Cases Soar
Wednesday, 16 July 2025 () Russia is witnessing a troubling increase in meningococcal infections, a dangerous bacterial illness that can lead to life-threatening complications. Health officials are increasingly concerned by a shift in the pattern of infections—what was once largely confined to children in schools and kindergartens is now spreading rapidly among adults, who face a higher risk of death from the disease. The surge has been partly attributed to migrant workers arriving in various Russian regions, raising questions about vaccination policies and public health control. On July 15, Alexander Rumyantsev, a member of the State Duma’s Health Protection Committee, presented alarming new data: in the first five months of 2025 alone, Russia registered 1,266 cases of meningococcal infection—an increase of 260% compared to the same period last year. Of these, 948 cases were among adults.
Wednesday, 16 July 2025 ()
