Description of the situation
18 March 1999
Disease Outbreak Reported
The Ministry of Health has notified 2 709 cases of meningitis and 372 deaths between 23 October 1998 and 28 February 1999,. When the first cases were reported, samples were sent to the Institut Pasteur in Dakar, which confirmed that the outbreak was due to meningococcal meningitis type A. The health authorities have launched a vaccination campaign targeted to the age group 2-25 years. The situation remains serious, especially in the regions of Kaolack, Fatick and Kolda, extending towards Diourbel. Prevention and control measures have been undertaken.