Meningitis outbreak is widespread in Niger

Niger had notified the World Health Organization of 1,543 suspected cases of meningitis, including 147 deaths. Cases have been reported in 7 of 8 regions. Outbreaks have been confirmed in several areas of Dosso (Dogon-Doutchi and Gaya districts) and Niamey (Niamey I, II, and III districts).

Travellers to African countries in the sub-Saharan meningitis belt, e.g., the Gambia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, during the dry season (December to June) can reduce the risk of exposure to meningitis by obtaining a vaccination against meningitis prior to travelling in these countries.