afrol News, 25 April - A total of 811 people had succumbed to meningitis epidemic in Burkina Faso during the first quarter of this year.

A statement issued by the Burkinabé Ministry of Health confirmed that between 1 January and 20 April 2008, a total of 8,382 suspected cases of meningitis has been registered in the country.

The outbreak, which has registered a mortality rate of almost 10%, has been prevalent along the border with Côte d'Ivoire. It has struck 5 of the 55 districts of Burkina Faso, but 14 others have been on the alert.

Ironically, new cases have also been registered in safe zones, including the North and West areas of the capital Ouagadougou, Sig-Noghim and Boulmiougou.

Burkinabé authorities are worried over the emergence of the outbreak in area where vaccination campaigns had already taken place.

Situated on the meningitis belt of sub-Sahara, Burkina Faso is often strike by the meningitis outbreak between December and June.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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