Incidence Of Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C In Two Northwestern States Of Nigeria

-The aim of this study is to report the incidence of NmC outbreak caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (NmC) in Sokoto and Zamfara between December 2016 and June 2017.From week 51 2016 to week 19, 2017, data on CSM cases and deaths were recorded on standardized line-lists from case management sites. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected from suspected cases during the outbreak were tested using rapid Pastorex® latex agglutination to determine causative serogroup. A total of 5,372 cases of MNC were reported in Zamfara and Sokoto states. CSF was collected from 281 (5.2%) suspected cases (190 from Sokoto and 91 from Zamfara), there were 277 deaths in Sokoto and 81 in Zamfara, making a total of 358 deaths, 5,188 probable cases and 184 confirmed cases from both states. Out of 5,372 cases of NMC seen, 57.2% were males and 42.8% were females (M:F = 1.3:1). The most affected age group in both states was 6-15 years with 49.3% from Sokoto and 53.9% from Zamfara. The peak of meningitis cases was observed at week 7, 2017 in Zamfara and week 15 in Sokoto. Marudun local government recorded the highest incidence (146) in Zamfara while Sokoto North and South accounted for the highest incidence in Sokoto state (1016; 21.2%). Reactive vaccination in the affected areas may have helped curtail the epidemic. A vaccination campaign against NmC with a longlasting conjugate vaccine should be considered in the northern parts of Nigeria.