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Rennes, April 30, 2025 – Two young individuals aged 16 and 19 were admitted to the intensive care unit at Rennes University Hospital this week with meningococcal meningitis B, highlighting a concerning resurgence of the infection in the Ille-et-Vilaine department. These cases follow a massive vaccination campaign launched in March targeting 15-24-year-olds in the Rennes metropolitan area.
An Alarming Epidemiological Context
Since January 2025, 11 cases have been reported in the department, according to the Brittany Regional Health Agency (ARS). In early February, an 18-year-old woman died from the disease. Nationally, Santé publique France reported over 600 cases in 2024, the highest since 2010, with cases continuing to rise in 2025.
Vaccination as the Primary Defense
The campaign targeting 100,000 young people in Rennes Métropole has vaccinated 64,152 individuals with at least one dose. A full vaccination requires two doses, and financial coverage was expanded to all regions starting April 2. One of the two new patients had reportedly declined vaccination, according to BFMTV.
Ongoing Health Emergency and Investigations
ARS teams are currently identifying high-risk contacts (individuals who spent at least one hour within one meter of the infected patients). Bacterial strains will be analyzed by the Institut Pasteur to determine potential epidemiological links.
Recommendations and Vigilance
Symptoms (high fever, neck stiffness, vomiting, light sensitivity) require immediate medical attention. Santé publique France emphasizes vaccination as the only effective prevention against this infection, which proves fatal in 10–12% of cases.
Disclaimer: This article is based on statements from the Brittany Regional Health Agency (ARS Bretagne), Santé publique France, and cited media sources. Epidemiological data may evolve rapidly. Consult health authorities for the latest updates.
