Togolese authorities warn of cases of meningitis in the Savannah region
A vaccine against meningitis (photo illustration).
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Text by: RFI Follow
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Just under forty cases have been detected, including five fatalities.
The Togolese authorities call on the population of the area to be vigilant and to apply preventive measures.
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The first cases were detected a little over a month ago, in the health district of Oti Sud, in the Savannah region, the Harmattan period being conducive to meningitis.
According to the Togolese Minister of Health, Moustafa Mijiyawa, the 37 cases identified, which concern both children and adults, are contained in this area.
Communications were made, in the media, on local radio stations to remind people of the warning signs to watch out for: "
Fever, especially when it is brutal and strong, headaches, vomiting, the neck which becomes stiff and sometimes disturbances of consciousness.
»
Call for vigilance
The health authorities also recall the measures to be taken to combat the spread of meningitis.
“
People need to avoid staying in dusty environments.
People are asked to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, to protect their nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, to avoid close contact with sick people and of course to to be vaccinated since it is one of the most effective measures
”, indicates the Minister of Health, Moustapha Mujiyawa.
Health authorities are calling on people to be vigilant and to go to the nearest health center at the slightest symptom.
Togo is located in what is known as the “
meningitis belt
”, a strip that stretches in Africa from Senegal to Ethiopia.
►Also listen: Priority Health - World Meningitis Day: the importance of early treatment
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