| Summary: | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Meningitis caused by <it>Neisseria meningitidis </it>is a serious infection which is most common in young children and adolescents. This study investigated the relationships between the incidence and age distribution of meningococcal disease, and socioeconomic environment.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>An ecological design was used, including mapping using a Geographical Information System (GIS) at census ward level.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Incidence of meningococcal disease was highest in the most deprived wards, with a relative risk of 1.97 (1.55 – 2.51). Mapping revealed geographical coincidence of deprivation and meningococcal disease, particularly in urban areas. Two-thirds of the increased incidence was due to cases in the under fives.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results suggest that area deprivation is a risk factor for meningococcal disease, and that its effects are seen most in young children.</p>
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