The meningitis outbreak returns to Niger: Concern, efforts, challenges
and recommendations
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.