According to the WHO, 18 countries submitted their epidemiological data on meningitis between February 18 and March 3, 2024 (week 7 to 9).
Epidemics:
- Nigeria: Gombe State
- D.R. Congo: North Kivu province
Warnings:
- D.R. Congo: Province of Haut-Uele
- Ghana: Upper West Region and Savannah Region
- Guinea: Conakry region (Ratoma district)
- Niger: Niamey region
- Senegal: Dakar region (Dakar Centre district)
- Nigeria: Bauchi State, Gombe State
- Togo: Kara region (Doufelgou district)
Further information:
- Nigeria: according to media reports, an outbreak of meningitis in Yobe state has resulted in 636 cases.
Previous epidemics and warnings can be found under News on www.healthytravel.ch
Seasonal meningitis epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa occur 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 strains of meningitis is available as a prophylaxis for adults and children over 1 year of age.