2001 - Meningococcal disease, serogroup W135 - Update

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1) Summary WHO issued an update on June 2021 regarding a meningococcal disease outbreak (serogroup W135). While the affected region was not specified making the exact location unclear, it has been classified as low risk, indicating that the current severity is assessed as limited.

2) Supply-chain impact

• With the outbreak region unknown, specific supply-chain impact assessment is limited, but meningococcal disease outbreaks typically lead to increased demand for medical supplies and vaccines
• If quarantine measures are implemented to prevent disease spread, temporary restrictions on logistics and personnel movement in the affected region are possible
• Due to the low-grade classification, localized impacts are expected rather than large-scale supply-chain disruptions
• Pharmaceutical manufacturers need to consider increasing production of related treatments and preventive vaccines

3) Watch points

• Track whether WHO follow-up announcements provide specifics on outbreak region and infection scale
• Monitor for potential grade elevation of the disease or signs of cross-border spread