Meningitis is a threat in Sudan

Akot appears to be at the beginning of a meningitis epidemic. Dr Clarke reports two deaths thus far, both likely due to meningitis, though one was not seen and died at home less than 24 hours after becoming ill.

There are three major bacterial causes of meningitis outside the neonatal (1st month of life) period: Haemophilus influenza, Strept pneumoniae, and Neiserria meningococcus. It is the last that tends to cause the epidemics, for it is highly contagious. The spread is through droplets, just like colds of flu. It then enters the blood stream and infects the meninges, the covering of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms are high fever, prostration, irritability in a child, confusion in an older child or adult, headache, stiff neck.

The meningococcus vaccine is very effective. In 2005 the group from St. James’s, in partnership with Mustard Seed International Clinic, administered approximately 4000 vaccinations primarily in elementary schools and prisons as well as at some bush clinics and cattle camps. The campaign was highly effective, but far from comprehensive. Though there were still many patients in Akot, they did not have nearly the deaths recorded in other parts of Sudan, largely because of the vaccination campaign.

Meningococcus tends to kill through shock rather than through meningitis, though it may occur either way. In general, we do not understand why organisms tend to go dormant or why they break out in epidemics. We can trace epidemics, but we do not understand them.

We are seeking funds to support the inoculations of several thousands in the region surrounding Akot. Stay tuned for more information.