Title: Definition and cause of meningococcal meningitis
Course: Communicable Diseases Part 1 - Ethiopia (Full)

Definition and cause of meningococcal meningitis

Meningococcal meningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal cord by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis (also known as the meningococcus bacterium). The disease is caused by several groups of meningococcus bacteria, which are given distinguishing codes such as type A, B, C, Y and W135.

In populations over 30,000 people, a meningitis epidemic is defined as 15 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per week; or in smaller populations, five cases in one week or an increase in the number compared to the same period in previous years.

The disease occurs globally, but in sub-Saharan Africa, meningitis epidemics occur every two to three years. An epidemic is a sudden and significant increase in the number of cases of a communicable disease, which may go on rising for weeks, months or years. Meningitis epidemics are common in many countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, these epidemics are usually caused by group A and C type meningococcus bacteria, and are more common in western Ethiopia. The disease is most common in young children, but it also can affect young adults living in crowded conditions, in institutions, schools and refugee camps.