Meningitis cases now found in South, West Darfur

The Ministry of Health in South Darfur announced that four (4) people were infected with meningitis in Nyala. The ministry also affirmed that humanitarian organizations working in the field in Gereida locality found 14 cases of infection and one death. The NGOs asked the government to intervene promptly to save lives among the 250.000 displaced people living in the region. Minister of Health Mohammed Harun told Radio Dabanga that 60.000 people need to be vaccinated against the disease.

In El Geneina, the number of deaths caused by the meningitis epidemic has reached three (3) while another 69 were made ill. There are fears that the disease could spread further, West Darfur Minister of Health Jamal Ramadan told Radio Dabanga. The minister had earlier announced the absence of vaccines to combat the spread of the disease. 

On the other hand, North Darfur has recorded only some suspected cases of meningitis, said Ibrahim Almadir, medical director of El Fasher Hospital. He said samples taken from those suspected to have the disease were sent to a central test lab.