Alert/ Cases of meningitis reported in the Kara region

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Extract from the article: In a press release dated 15 January 2025, Prof Tchin Darré, Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, stated that the Kara region, and in particular the district of Dankpen, is currently experiencing cases of meningitis. Faced with this worrying situati

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In a press release dated 15 January 2025, Prof Tchin Darré, Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, stated that the Kara region, and in particular the district of Dankpen, is currently experiencing cases of meningitis. Faced with this worrying situation, investigations are underway to detect other cases in the community and ensure that patients receive early treatment. The Ministry has taken steps to counter the spread of the epidemic. These include stepping up early detection by actively seeking out cases in the community and confirming them in the laboratory; organising the management of cases in health facilities; and raising public awareness of preventive measures and the need to seek medical attention quickly if there are any signs of suspicion. People are being urged to «avoid living in dusty environments, protect their nose and mouth against dust, protect their nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, avoid close contact with sick people, wash their hands regularly with soap and water, get vaccinated and adhere to the routine vaccination programme of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) ».

According to the Institut Pasteur, meningitis is an infection of the spinal cord and the envelopes surrounding the brain, the meninges, caused by several types of virus, bacteria and fungi. Meningococcus (another name for the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis) is the major cause of acute meningitis.Despite treatment, meningococcal infections have a high mortality rate (10%) and a high epidemic potential.

Jean ELI