In the 2nd and 3rd week of 2024, 21 countries have reported their epidemiological data on meningitis:
Epidemic:
- Ethiopia: Jinka Town (since week 1/2024)
Warning:
- Benin: Littoral Region (Cotonou District)
- Ghana: Upper West Region (Jirapa and Nandom districts) and Northern Region (Zabzugu district)
- Nigeria: Bauchi State (Damban District) and Jigawa State (Biriniwa District)- D.R. Congo: Haut-Uele and North Kivu
- Chad: Mandoul region (Goundi district)
Previous epidemics and warnings can be found at EpiNews or at www.healthytravel.ch.
Seasonal meningitis epidemics occur in sub-Saharan Africa mainly during the dry season, usually from December to June. They decline rapidly with the onset of rainfall. In general, the meningococcal serogroups A, C, W and X are responsible for these outbreaks. The disease spreads from person to person by droplets. If symptoms (high fever, severe headache and vomiting) occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately and antibiotic therapy started, as the disease can lead to life-threatening conditions within hours. Vaccination against the most important meningitis strains is available as prophylaxis for adults and children over 1 year of age.