Meningitis in Cote d'Ivoire
03 Feb 2012
The media has reported on an outbreak of meningitis in Cote d'Ivoire. At present, 36 suspected cases have been identified and 11 associated deaths recorded. The National Committee Against Epidemics has reformed and a team has been dispatched to the affected areas to assess the situation.
The Ministry of Health has declared the outbreak in the departments of Kouto and Tengrela in the north of the country where vaccination is being provided with the assistance of WHO and UNICEF.
The outbreak is also affecting Saminkro and Kani in the central-west of the country where vaccination is also being offered.
This outbreak has not been officially confirmed by WHO and further information is awaited with regard to which strain of meningococcal meningitis is circulating.
Advice for Travellers
A four strain (ACWY) meningococcal meningitis vaccine is available for those considered to be at risk e.g visiting an outbreak area and mixing closely with the local population. The dry season lasts throughout the winter months and the meningococcal season is generally between Dec-Jun.