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Meningococcal Disease in Uganda (Update)

17 Mar 2014

An outbreak of meningococcal meningitis has been reported by the Ministry of Health for Uganda.

The outbreak has been ongoing since the end of January 2014, in the Adjumani and Arua districts of West Nile Sub-region. A total of 121 cases have been recorded, as of 6 March 2014. Of the 84 samples tested, 32 were positive for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135. WHO and other partners are supporting the health ministry with a reactive immunisation campaign to contain the outbreak.

Advice for Travellers

Uganda is a country at risk of meningococcal meningitis outbreaks and quadrivalent vaccine is available for those considered to be at risk.