An outbreak of meningococcal meningitis
has been reported affecting two neighbouring districts of Ethiopia: Kobo
District of Amhara Region and Alamata District of the Tigray Region.
Between 30 January and 12 March 2000
81 cases and 3 deaths were reported from Kobo District and cerebrospinal
fluid (CSF) examinations of 21 specimens yielded Neisseria meningitidis.
The number of cases peaked between 14 and 20 February and is reported to
have declined to low levels by 12 March. During a vaccination campaign
running from the 14 to 27 February, 36 344 people were vaccinated.
Between 7 February and 9 March 2000 48 cases and 6 deaths were reported from the Alamata District. In this district, 35 132 people have received vaccination.