Alert/Togo: Meningitis cases reported in the savannahs

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Extract from the article: The Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Access to Health Care has just detected cases of meningitis in the Savannah region, precisely in the district of Oti-

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The Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Access to Health Care has just detected cases of meningitis in the Savannah region, precisely in the district of Oti-Sud, in the extreme north of Togo. Thus, the government calls on the population to be vigilant in order to prevent and fight effectively against this contagious disease.

In a press release issued on January 16, 2023, the Minister of Health, Prof. Moustafa Mijiyawa, said that investigations are underway to search for possible cases in the community for early treatment. « Measures are taken to address the situation including the organization of case management in health facilities, strengthening and early detection through active search for cases in the community and laboratory confirmation, as well as sensitization of the population on preventive measures and conduct in case of suspicion », he said.

However, Prof. Moustafa Mijiyawa invites the population to adopt preventive measures to prevent meningitis, including avoiding staying in dusty environments or protecting their nose and mouth from dust, washing their hands regularly with soap and water, protecting their nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, avoiding close contact with sick people, and getting vaccinated: Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure, go to the nearest health facility in case of symptoms for proper and prompt care.

Meningitis is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person through coughing, sneezing and saliva. It manifests itself essentially by a high fever of sudden onset.

Jean ELI