DESCRIPTION OF MENINGITIS EPIDEMIC IN HAIKOCH NA BUTAJIRA DISTRICT

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A retrospective review of a recent meningitis epidemic in Haikoch na Butajira District for the months of February and March 1989 was conducted. The epidemic is described in terms of person, place and time. The relationship of the epidemic with weather changes (rainfall and temperature) is assessed. There were a total of 6968 reported cases of meningitis with 203 deaths. The case fatality rate was 2.9%. The male to female ratio was 1.05 to 1. The peak of the epidemic was found to be during the second half of the month of February. There were 864 cases from urban, 3321 from villagized and 2783 from non villagized areas giving period prevalence rates of 6%, 8% and 2%, respectively, during the two months. Based on this study, surveillance and control recommendations are made.