Sofia, Bulgaria – An 11-month-old infant has died from a severe case of meningococcal infection, the Ministry of Health confirmed.
The child was admitted to the Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment of Children’s Diseases “Prof. Ivan Mitev” with suspected fulminant meningococcal infection, which rapidly led to sepsis and multiple organ failure.
Despite emergency resuscitation efforts, doctors were unable to save the infant’s life. In addition to this tragic case, a 13-year-old child is currently receiving treatment at the same hospital for a meningococcal infection.
Medical professionals describe the condition as serious, and the patient remains under intensive care.
Following the fatality, the Executive Agency for Medical Supervision has launched an inspection into the hospital’s handling of the case, while the Regional Health Inspectorate (RHI) in Sofia has conducted epidemiological studies.
Rising Cases of Meningococcal Infection
According to the latest data from the Metropolitan Regional Health Inspectorate, three cases of meningococcal infections have been reported in Sofia in the past week alone.
Since the beginning of 2024, Bulgaria has recorded a total of eight cases, affecting individuals across various age groups.
Meningococcal infections can lead to severe complications, including meningitis and sepsis, which are the primary causes of fatalities.
While Bulgaria typically reports a small number of cases annually—averaging three to four infections per year—the country saw a spike in 2019, with 11 registered cases.
Health authorities have urged the public to be vigilant about symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, nausea, sensitivity to light, and a distinctive rash, which may indicate a meningococcal infection.
Immediate medical attention is crucial, as the disease progresses rapidly and can be fatal within hours if left untreated.
Government Response and Preventive Measures
To strengthen detection and response mechanisms, the Ministry of Health held an operational meeting on March 26, bringing together representatives from regional health inspectorates and the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases.
The discussion focused on enhancing diagnostic capabilities, particularly through expanded PCR testing for meningococcal bacteria.
Meningococcal infections are caused by various bacterial groups, and vaccines are available for some strains, including groups A, C, W-135, and Y.
These vaccines can be purchased in pharmacies but are not part of Bulgaria’s mandatory immunization schedule. A vaccine for group B meningococcal infections also exists but is currently unavailable in the country.
Despite their availability, meningococcal vaccines are not widely administered in Bulgaria, leading health experts to call for increased awareness and accessibility.
Immunization against meningococcal disease is recommended and can be administered upon request for a fee.
Contact Tracing and Public Health Advisory
In response to the latest cases, health officials have identified individuals who were in close contact with the infected children.
Those exposed, particularly at school, have been urged to consult their general practitioners for preventive measures, including prophylactic antibiotics if necessary.
The Ministry of Health is expected to provide further updates on the meningococcal situation in Bulgaria as investigations and epidemiological assessments continue.
Meanwhile, medical professionals emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment to prevent further fatalities.