Epidemiological Features And Outcome Of Meningococcal Meningitis Outbreak Inchildren In Maiduri Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Meningococcal meningitis remains a major public health problem among children in Nigeria especially in the meningitis belt. Many epidemics of the disease have occurred in the past in Borno State, with little effort to control them. The last of such occurred in 1996 with devastating effects. This study presents the epidemiological features, treatment and outcome of the outbreak. All children who were admitted into the State Specialist Hospital with a clinical diagnosis of meningitis between January and May 1996 recruited into the study. Demographic information as well history of their Immunization was ascertained. In addition, lumbar puncture was done on all patients except where contraindicated

A total of 285 children, 171 (66.7%) males and 114 (33.3%) females between the ages of one week and 14 year with a mean of 6.31 year were admitted during the study period, most of who were from the low socioeconomic background.

Overall mortality rate was 21.4% with the highest among children below the age of 6 months (35.3%). Mortality decreased with increasing age. The highest number of cases was recorded in March; which is the beginning of the hot season. The sex of the child did not affect the outcome of the disease. Early immunization with the polyvalent group A and C polysaccharide vaccine is strongly recommended as well as improved living conditions.

Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol.6(1) 2003: 49-51