Meningococcal disease, Uganda--update (1)/ Meningococcie, Ouganda--mise a jour (1).(OUTBREAK NEWS/LE POINT SUR LES EPIDEMIES)(Brief article)

From 28 December 2005 to 3 February 2006, 301 suspected cases of meningococcal disease including 23 deaths have been reported from the districts of Nakapiripirit (258 cases including 19 deaths) and Moroto (43 cases including 4 deaths) in north-eastern Uganda. Laboratory tests have confirmed Neisseria meningitis A.

The International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision for Epidemic Meningitis Control has provided 250 000 doses of bivalent vaccine for a mass vaccination campaign as well as 10 000 doses of oily chloramphenicol for case management. The immunization campaign has started in both districts. Reports of suspected cases in 5 neighbouring districts are …