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March 22, 2002

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Uganda: Meningitis Kills 15, District Shuts Schools"

Africa News Service (www.allafrica.com) (03/21/02)

An outbreak of meningococcal meningitis in Uganda has taken the lives of 15 people and hospitalized 20 more over the past two weeks.  As a result of the outbreak, four primary schools in Kyabigambire sub-county in Hoima district have been closed indefinitely.  Dr. Matthew Emel, the district's director of health services, said he has requisitioned vaccines from the Ministry of Health, and immunizations should start before the end of the week.

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