An increase in meningococcal infections is being observed, with adults now more frequently affected than before, raising concerns about the potential role of migration and the overall danger of the disease. Experts emphasize vaccination and preventive measures as key to protection.

Rospotrebnadzor reports that meningococcal infection, characterized by winter-spring seasonality, has seen a cyclical rise since 2022 with a shift in the dominant serogroup from W to A in 2025. While group outbreaks have been noted among labor migrants, timely interventions, including vaccination, have prevented widespread infection. The agency maintains that the situation remains stable across most regions, with either no spread or isolated cases reported. Young children, adolescents, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immunity are identified as the most susceptible.

Virologist Sergey Netesov acknowledges the increased cases but emphasizes that they are incomparable to infections like the flu or coronavirus. Therapist Olga Filonenko points out meningitis’ cyclical nature, with outbreaks occurring roughly every five years. Pediatrician Igor Kovalev highlights the resurgence of dangerous infections like measles, rubella, polio, and meningitis, emphasizing the need for increased immune protection through vaccination.

Meningococcal infection, caused by the bacterium meningococcus, is transmitted via airborne droplets, though the chance of contraction is low. While many infected individuals remain asymptomatic carriers, infectious disease doctor Andrey Pozdnyakov warns of severe generalized forms that can lead to meningitis, meningoencephalitis, generalized infection affecting various organs, infectious-toxic shock, and even hemorrhaging. A distinguishing characteristic of the generalized form is a pronounced rash, which can lead to necrosis requiring amputation. Hemorrhage into the adrenal gland, known as Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome, is almost always fatal, and damage to the central nervous system and meninges can have lasting effects.

Vaccination is considered the most reliable form of protection. In addition to vaccination, preventive measures such as thorough handwashing, avoiding hypothermia, ventilating rooms, using masks, and avoiding contact with people exhibiting respiratory infection symptoms are crucial. Sergey Netesov suggests vaccinating arriving migrants and the elderly as a priority and advocates for incorporating a multi-type vaccine into the national vaccination calendar.