An outbreak of meningococcal disease due to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A (Nm A) has been confirmed in Malakal county of Upper Nile state in South Sudan. A total of 196 suspected cases, including 13 deaths (case–fatality rate 6.6%) were reported from this outbreak from April to first week of June 2013. Most of the reported cases were between the ages of 4 and 40 years old. The date of onset of symptoms of the first reported case, of the current outbreak in Upper Nile State, was 12 April 2013.
The International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision for Epidemic Meningitis Control released 198 770 doses of meningococcal A conjugate vaccine to implement a reactive vaccination campaign from 15 to 24 May 2013, which was led by the Ministry of Health of South Sudan with the support of WHO and partners.
Since 2006, meningococcal disease has been reported in South Sudan either in sporadically or in localized outbreaks predominantly caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A (Nm A).
Table 1. Meningococcal disease reported in South Sudan, 2006–2013
|
Year |
Cases |
Deaths |
Case–fatality rate (%) |
|
2006 |
2039 |
258 |
12.6 |
|
2007 |
884 |
83 |
9.3 |
|
2008 |
114 |
15 |
13.1 |
|
2009 |
363 |
– |
– |
|
2010 |
229 |
– |
– |
|
2013 |
196 |
13 |
3.7 |
Related links
Weekly Epidemiological Monitor: meningococcal disease in South Sudan