New data shows despite a 35% fall in the total number of meningococcal disease cases compared to the same period the previous year, Māori infants and toddlers remain at a higher risk of the disease. According to the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) data, the number of cases has fallen from 43 in 2023 to 28 at the same time this year. Māori make up 36% of meningococcal disease cases so far this year and 6 of the eight cases aged under 5 years were Māori - making it the highest number of any age group.
In contrast, the number of cases of the disease among teens aged 15-19 has dropped by 44% of those recorded last year.[6][7] The highest number of cases reported in 2024 are from the Auckland region (36%), followed by Northland, Waikato and Lakes (Rotorua). Hutt Valley, Southland, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Canterbury and the West Coast have also recorded cases this year.
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