Immunization Newsbriefs (c) Copyright Information Inc., Bethesda, MD. Brought to you by the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii). Visit NNii's new website at http://www.immunizationinfo.org.

------------------------------------------------------------

April 12, 2002

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Death Toll Tops 1,000 in Meningitis Epidemic Believed Carried by Mecca Pilgrims" Associated Press (www.ap.org) (04/11/02); Ouedraogo, Brahima

Burkina Faso's Health Ministry reported Thursday that 1,059 meningitis-related deaths have been recorded in the country since January, and there have been 8,846 infections.  The epidemic, which is associated with the W135 strain of meningitis, has been linked to an outbreak among Islamic pilgrims traveling to Mecca in 2000.  After learning that the meningitis strain involved in the outbreak is one not normally found in the area, officials called off a massive vaccination campaign in the country and said they will now focus on treatment.  Vaccines for the most prevalent strains of the disease are inexpensive, but the vaccine for the W135 strain costs up to $55 in the West.

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.