Meningitis Outbreaks

Because COVID-19 has become so widespread, it is easy to forget that there are other diseases that are plaguing the world today. One other recent disease seen in northwest Benin is meningococcal disease according to an article by the CDC. This specific outbreak was caused by Neisseria meningitidis, specifically strain C.  Meningitis can be very dangerous for those infected because this bacterium has the ability to pass into the lining of the brain and the spinal fluid. However, as the CDC states, there is a vaccine which can help prevent disease against strains A, C, W, and Y.

Benin is not the only outbreak of meningitis seen in recent years. Meningitis has been known for spreading on the college campus, causing students to get a booster shot before they go to school. However, there have also been a large number of cases seen throughout Africa. A recent article published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases talks about this problem in what is known as the “African meningitis belt.” The vaccine against serogroup A was introduced in the region between 2010-2017. This has proven very successful, and now according to the article, “Neisseria meningitidis A epidemics have been eliminated.” However, other serotypes of this disease still persist.

Part of the continuing problem is a lack of access to affordable conjugate vaccines in the region. There is a need throughout Africa for more access to vaccines against these other serotypes in order to protect the many individuals at risk. This is the new task before us to put an end to meningitis. By providing people with access to the vaccine, we will be able to develop herd immunity around the world to protect those most at risk and to keep our loved ones healthy. So, even as we search desperately for a coronavirus vaccine, we must not neglect the needs of those who simply need access to vaccines that are already available.