As a result of the outbreak in Burkina Faso, the government has come under bitter criticism as people line up daily at government-designated vaccination posts, only to be told that vaccines have run out. The highest rates are found in children. A large epidemic can follow a localized outbreak from the previous year, if incidence rates remain high. So without immediate mass immunizations in Burkina Faso, the nation remains at risk. Meningitis is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, including respiratory droplets from a persons nose and throat.
Many carriers show no symptoms.
At its onset, meningitis causes intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and a stiff neck. Many victims develop neurological symptoms such as lethargy, delirium, and in some cases lapse into a coma. Return to Medical Mission News .