Where is the meningitis belt in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, the belt covers all the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). We continue to urge the public to be aware of the danger posed by meningitis and adhere to the known preventive measures.
What countries are in the African meningitis belt?
It consists of part of or all of (from West to East), the Gambia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea.
What country does meningitis come from?
The first major one was reported in Nigeria and Ghana in 1905–1908. In early reports large number of people died of the disease. The first evidence that linked bacterial infection as a cause of meningitis was written by Austrian bacteriology Anton Vaykselbaum who described meningococcal bacteria in 1887.
Why is it called meningitis belt?
People all over the world are at risk of meningitis. The highest burden of disease is seen in a region of sub-Saharan Africa, known as the African Meningitis Belt, especially recognised to be at high risk of epidemics of meningococcal but also pneumococcal meningitis.
Why is meningitis common in Africa?
The reason for the susceptibility of this region of Africa to major epidemics of meningococcal disease is at least in part related to its climatic features, with outbreaks occurring mainly in the hot, dry season (Sultan et al., 2005).
What meningitis means?
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly.
Where in Africa is meningitis most common?
Meningococcal meningitis is observed worldwide but the highest burden of the disease is in the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east. Around 30 000 cases are still reported each year from that area.
What are the main causes of meningitis?
Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
- meningococcal bacteria – there are several different types, called A, B, C, W, X, Y and Z.
- pneumococcal bacteria.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria.
- enteroviruses – viruses that usually only cause a mild stomach infection.
- the mumps virus.
What are 3 types of meningitis?
There are a few different types of meningitis, including viral, bacterial, and fungal meningitis.
What kills bacterial meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis requires immediate hospitalization. Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent brain damage and death. Bacterial meningitis is treated with intravenous antibiotics and steroids. There’s no specific antibiotic for bacterial meningitis.