We have identified you may not be viewing TRAVAX optimally because the browser you are using is unsupported - click here.
We have identified you may not be viewing TRAVAX optimally because the browser you are using is unsupported - click here.
The outbreak of meningococcal meningitis in Niger is expanding; there has been a threefold increase in new suspected cases in the last two weeks. Between 1 January and 10 May 2015, a total of 5855 suspected cases, including 406 deaths were notified to WHO.
The worst affected region is Niamey in the west of the country on the east bank of the Niger River. A total of 3919 suspected cases, including 217 deaths, have been reported. The outbreak in Naimey is of particular concern as the area is densely populated, with around one million inhabitants.
Neisseria meningitides serogroup C has been confirmed as the predominant strain in the outbreak, with serogroup W also being identified in some samples.
In the past 40 years, serogroup C has caused sporadic cases and a small number of localized outbreaks in Africa; generally of mixed serogroup A and C origin. This current large outbreak is the first in Africa to be caused by serogroup C, which has resulted in a shortage of vaccines against this serogroup.
WHO and partners supporting the government of Niger with the implementation of mass vaccination campaigns and other emergency control measures. The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision for Epidemic Meningitis Control (ICG) plays a leading role in outbreak control. ICG is a partnership including WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and Médecins sans Frontières, or MSF.
(Via WHO Media Centre - accessed 18/05/15)
In Niger, the meningococcal season generally runs from Dec-Jun. Immunisation is available for those considered to be at risk:
