33 killed by meningitis in Somaliland

Thirty three people have died in an outbreak of meningitis in the self-declared republic of Somaliland, northwestern Somalia, according to the UN's World Health Organisation (WHO). "As of 16 January, the ministry of health in Somalia [Somaliland] has reported a total of 144 cases, including 33 deaths," WHO said in a report. The disease first broke out in October 2001. Collaborative tests identified the disease as 'Neisseraia meningitidis serogroup A', the WHO said. "This type of the disease, if not controlled quickly, can spread rapidly and become an epidemic, especially in a crowded setting of cities", a WHO source told IRIN on Tuesday. In order to control the spread of the disease, a crisis committee has been set up by the local authorities, the Red Crescent Society in Somaliland, Medecins Sans Frontieres, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and WHO. According to WHO, the surveillance system has been strengthened and preparations for a mass vaccination campaign are underway. Social mobilisation activities are also in place, including the dissemination of messages through the mass media.