23 Juillet 2009

Addis Abeba — The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Tuesday said 147 cases and 20 deaths due to an outbreak of Meningitis symptom illness were reported in northern part of the country. The illness was reported in July 17, 2009 epidemic week by Regional Health Bureau (RHB) from Kelela woreda of South Wollo zone, in three kebeles, the ministry said. From 17th to 21st July 2009, a total of 147 cases and 20 deaths have been reported, said Ahmed Yimano, Public Relations Directorates Director in the MoH at the press conference held at his office. "Even though the symptom is related to meningitis illness, still now the Ministry has not confirmed the case in laboratory. The sample was sent to Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute. The signs and symptoms are head ache, fever, neck stiffness, diarrhoea and vomiting," he said. The meningitis illness occurred during hot seasons in April- May months. The ministry alertly follows up the case with RHB experts, WHO and other partner organizations are already in the field to assess the situation, Ahmed added. He said that, for over 300 thousand people vaccine backup were made available to control the outbreak. Temporary clinics established in the kebele and the vaccination program was begun on Tuesday in six adjacent kebeles and other two woredas. Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges. The inflammation may be caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms, and less commonly by certain drugs. On the other hand, the Ministry said four new cases of Influenza AH1N1 have been reported this week. The total confirmed cases, reported in the country, now reach 8. Two months ago Ethiopia had confirmed its first case of the new influenza. The ministry said, still now no sign of virus obtained in all regions of the country. Sufficient drugs backup available to treat 104,000 people. Over the country 30 hospitals are ready to treat the flu, it said.