Disease Outbreak News

2002 - Congo

22 October 2001

Description of the situation

22 October 2001

Disease Outbreak Reported

As of 16 October 2001, WHO has reported a total of 378 cases, including 32 deaths (case-fatality rate of 8.46%) in 15 health districts of Katana health zone, South-Kivu province. Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A has been laboratory confirmed for this outbreak  A  selective vaccination campaign has been undertaken in the affected area (see previous report) and WHO is providing an additional 300,000 doses of vaccine to widen the target population in the campaign.  WHO and nongovernmental organizations active in health care in this area are working with the Ministry of Health; health education and community mobilization are continuing.