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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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