Epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis in children at Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Zamfara state, Nigeria

Abstract

Epidemic meningococcal meningitis is a major public health problem still affecting tropical countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, which lies within African meningitis belt. Repeated large scale epidemics of CSM have been reported in northern Nigeria for the past four decades. It is one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in these regions. Mortality from the CSM remains high despite advances in treatment modalities. Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A have been the major cause of large scale epidemics in tropical countries, while serogroups B, C, Y and W-135 are responsible for most of invasive disease in America and other developed countries. Objective: To determine the pattern of epidemic CSM in children at Federal Medical Centre, Gusau. Method: The study was a retrospective one carried out in children aged six months to 12 years admitted into Emergency Paediatrics Unit (EPU) with a diagnosis of CSM within the period January to May, 2009. Results: Seventy- seven children with epidemic CSM were admitted and managed in EPU from January- May 2009. Conclusion: Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A CSM is becoming the disease of young infants, and stresses the need for inclusion of CSM vaccine in early infancy in routine immunization policy, in areas within the meningitis belt in Sub-Saharan Africa.