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The meningitis outbreak returns to Niger: Concern, efforts, challenges and recommendations
  • Olivier Sibomana,
  • Clyde Hakayuwa
Olivier Sibomana
University of Rwanda

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Clyde Hakayuwa
Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine
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Abstract

Meningitis, a disease that commonly manifests in African meningitis belt, continues to be a public health problem as it is a fatal disease that leave survivors with long-term effects. Most cases of meningitis are due to bacterial and viral infection, although parasites, fungus, cancer, drugs, and immune disorders can rarely cause meningitis. Stiff neck, high temperature, light sensitivity, disorientation, headaches, and vomiting are the most typical symptoms of meningitis. Niger being in African meningitis belt, has been impacted by many meningitis outbreaks. Since 2015, a total of 20 789 cases and 1369 fatalities (CFR 6.6%) have been documented in Niger. In contrast to earlier seasons, the current outbreak of meningitis in Niger exhibits both an increase in the number of cases and a rise in the growth rate. A total of 559 instances of meningitis, including 18 fatalities (overall CFR 3.2%), were reported in the Zinder Region, southeast of Niger, from 1 November 2022 to 27 January 2023, compared to 231 cases reported from 1 November 2021 to 31 January 2022. In the current outbreak, the Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (NmC) is responsible for the majority of laboratory confirmed cases (104/111; 93.7%). To organize the response to the pandemic, a global team from the WHO and other partners, including MSF and UNICEF, has been sent out in Niger. Even though there are many challenges in battle against meningitis in Niger, immunization, antibiotics administration and strong disease surveillance are recommended techniques to cope with the current meningitis outbreak in Niger.
24 Mar 2023Submitted to Immunity, Inflammation and Disease
25 Mar 2023Submission Checks Completed
25 Mar 2023Assigned to Editor
28 Mar 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
05 Apr 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
22 May 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
26 May 20231st Revision Received
29 May 2023Submission Checks Completed
29 May 2023Assigned to Editor
29 May 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
29 May 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
14 Jun 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
17 Jun 20232nd Revision Received
19 Jun 2023Submission Checks Completed
19 Jun 2023Assigned to Editor
19 Jun 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Jun 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
25 Jun 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
28 Jun 20233rd Revision Received
08 Jul 2023Submission Checks Completed
08 Jul 2023Assigned to Editor
08 Jul 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 Jul 2023Editorial Decision: Accept
Jul 2023Published in Immunity, Inflammation and Disease volume 11 issue 7. https://doi.org/10.1002/iid3.953