Meningitis hits Ivory Coast

2005-03-22 20:31

Abidjan - A meningitis epidemic behind rebel lines in Ivory Coast has infected more than 200 people, killed 40 and could spread, the World Health Organisation said on Tuesday. It blamed a shortage of vaccines.

"The need for a vaccination campaign to stop the transmission is urgent," WHO's Dr Aka Bian Tanoh told The Associated Press.

This year, only 5 500 people were immunised compared to 20 000 last year because there were not enough vaccines, he said.

Since January, 210 people - including 40 who died - contracted meningitis in the rebel-heal town of Bouna, 500km from the commercial capital, Abidjan, Tanoh said.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord that causes fever, headache and a stiff neck. In severe cases, it can cause brain damage, even death.

Rebels have controlled the northern half of Ivory Coast since a failed coup attempt in September 2002 plunged the world's top cocoa producer into a civil war.

Fighting eased with a French-brokered peace deal in January 2003 and the arrival of 11 000 UN and French troops monitoring a shaky ceasefire.

- SAPA