2024-01-20-世界卫生组织-Meningitis_Weekly_bulletin_15_to_21_January_2024_16页_1mb

In this weekly epidemiological bulletin for the period January 15-21, 2024, the Inter Country Support Team - West Africa presents data and updates on cerebrospinal meningitis. The following summary outlines the key points from the bulletin.

• Epidemiological Situation (Week 3, 2024): Data from 21 countries show varying case and death counts, with attack rates ranging from 0.0 to 38.9 cases per 100,000 population. Notable high attack rates were reported in specific regions, such as Ethiopia (Jinka Town) with 38.9 cases per 100,000, and alerts were triggered in Ghana, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to elevated rates. Nigeria reported 26 cases and 3 deaths.

• Cumulative Situation (Weeks 01-03, 2024): A total of 1,626 suspected meningitis cases were reported by 23 countries, with 80 deaths documented. At least 50% of cases require lumbar puncture and CSF laboratory testing for confirmation and management. All countries are encouraged to enhance surveillance and laboratory systems.

• Laboratory Data: Out of 300 samples tested, pathogens identified include Streptococcus pneumoniae (15 cases), Haemophilus influenzae type b (2 cases), and Haemophilus influenzae non-b type (2 cases). Efforts are urged to improve sample transportation, processing, and laboratory reagents to support pathogen identification.

• Vaccine Introduction: MenAfriVac has been introduced in 24 countries, vaccinating over 350 million people aged 1-29 years in the African meningitis belt. Since 2018, no confirmed cases of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A have been reported in the region, highlighting the impact of vaccination campaigns.

• Recommendations: Countries should update their epidemic preparedness plans, share data with AFRO, and strengthen prevention and control measures, including routine immunization and surveillance. Continued efforts are needed to maintain vaccine effectiveness and respond to outbreaks.