Description of the situation
06 August 1998
Disease Outbreak Reported
The Ministry of Health has reported a total of 574 cases of meningococcal meningitis (group A) from 1 January to 27 July 1998 of which 69 have died (case fatality ratio 12%). The most affected provinces are Bié, Malange, Lunda Norte and Huambo. The cumulative attack rate has reached 43 per 100,000 population, and the most affected age group is 15-29 years, followed by the 4-14 years age group. The Ministry of Health has set up a coordinating committee to respond to this epidemic and is appealing for vaccine, autodestruct syringes, medicine, laboratory services, and financial resources to ensure efficient logistical support for the response.