Between January 22 and 28, 2024 (week 4), 18 countries reported their meningitis epidemiological data.
Epidemics:
- Mali: Gao region
- Nigeria: Jigawa State
Warnings:
- Benin: Littoral region (Cotonou district)
- Ghana: Upper West Region
- Nigeria: Yobe State and Bauchi State
Previous epidemics and warnings can be found 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 the rains. 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.