What country is meningitis most common in?
Meningococcal disease occurs worldwide, with the highest incidence of disease found in the ‘meningitis belt’ of sub-Saharan Africa. In this region, major epidemics occur every 5 to 12 years with attack rates reaching 1,000 cases per 100,000 population.
Where is the meningitis belt in Africa?
The largest burden of meningococcal disease occurs in an area of sub-Saharan Africa known as the meningitis belt, which stretches from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east.
Where is the meningitis belt in Ghana?
Ghana lies within the African meningitis belt which accounts for the highest burden of meningitis worldwide [7]. The Northern, Upper East, Upper West, and the Northern parts of Brong Ahafo and Volta Regions in Ghana lie within this belt.
Who discovered bacterial meningitis?
Diagnosis & Treatment The first outbreak in Africa was recorded in the 1840s, but it wasn’t until 1887 that Austrian bacteriologist Anton Vaykselbaum identified meningococcal bacteria as a cause of meningitis.
Who discovered meningitis?
Why is it called meningitis belt?
The African meningitis belt is a region in sub-Saharan Africa where the rate of incidence of meningitis is very high. It extends from Senegal to Ethiopia, and the primary cause of meningitis in the belt is Neisseria meningitidis.
What gender is most affected by meningitis?
Meningococcal meningitis primarily affects infants, children, and young adults. Males are affected slightly more than females, and account for 55% of all cases, with an incidence of 1.2 cases per 100,000 population, compared to 1 case per 100,000 population among females.
Who discovered pneumococcal meningitis?
Streptococcus pneumoniae causes acute bacterial infections. The bacterium, also called pneumococcus, was first isolated by Louis Pasteur in 1881 from the saliva of a patient with rabies.
What is the most serious meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is the most serious form. Without treatment, bacterial meningitis can cause paralysis, stroke, seizures, sepsis, and even death.