A record number of cases of invasive pneumococcal disease have been reported in Belgium for the second year in a row, according to the latest report from the National Reference Centre for Invasive Pneumococci.
Last year, the centre analysed 2,479 cases, marking a 17% increase compared to the previous year.
The largest rise was observed among individuals aged over 85, with cases up by 36%.
The incidence of meningitis saw a significant surge, increasing by 34% to reach 174 cases, particularly among adults.
Vaccination can prevent most forms of invasive pneumococcal disease.
