GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines launches 'Mencevax ACWY', the first and only Meningococcal meningitis vaccine available in India. Meningitis is a serious disease with a 10 per cent annual mortality rate, worldwide. Mencevax ACWY has been developed to curb the spread of this disease, especially for Hajj pilgrims travelling to Mecca this time of the year. The vaccine can be used from 2 years of age, by providing active immunity against the disease.

WHO estimates that there are about 5,00,000 cases of Meningoccocal Meningitis worldwide, each year. Meningococci bacteria can cause Septicaemia (blood poisoning) along with meningitis and hence can prove fatal with in a short span of time. 20 per cent of the survivors could also develop neurological disorders.

Pilgrims travelling to Mecca (Hajj) at this time of the year are at a high risk of contracting a meningococcal infection due to overcrowding associated with the Hajj pilgrimage. As a precautionary measure, the government of Saudi Arabia has made it mandatory for foreign pilgrims to be vaccinated before entering the country.

Sumer Dheri, general manager, GSK Vaccines said, "Meningococcal meningitis has grown to be a serious cause for concern, predominantly affecting travellers and people living in crowded spaces. Vaccination is the most effective, practical and convenient way of preventing this disease. Mencevax ACWY is a superior product from our global portfolio, and we are happy to launch it in India for the increased safety of the Hajj pilgrims. GSK has been supplying the vaccine to the Government of India for the past three years and has now made it available to the private market as well."

Meningococcal meningitis is a highly infectious disease and can occur at any age. It is the inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord. The transmission of the bacteria occurs directly from person to person, spread through cough, nasal secretions or oral contact.