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April 1, 2002
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"Death Toll Rises in Burkina Meningitis
Epidemic"
Reuters (www.reuters.com)
(03/30/02)
A meningitis epidemic in Burkina Faso has
reached 4,758 cases with 672 people dead, according to the health ministry.
Sixty percent of the cases involve a strain of the disease, W-135, that is
believed to have started in Saudi Arabia and is particularly fatal due to
vaccine shortages. Meningitis symptoms include intense headaches, fever,
nausea, vomiting, and a stiff neck that can lead to convulsions or a coma.
According to Burkina Faso's health ministry, the disease has reached epidemic
levels in 15 of the nation's 53 health districts.
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