American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene · 1977 · 25 citations · 0 references
Veterinary MedicineInfectious Disease ControlInfectious DiseasesImmunizationInfectious Disease EpidemiologyVaccinologyBacterial InfectionsImmunization SchedulesInfectious Disease PreventionVaccinationVaccination SchedulesVaccine-preventable DiseasesAge Distribution AnalysisAge-specific DistributionClusteringMass Immunization CampaignsMeningitis Infection ControlMeningitis SurveillanceMeningococcal Conjugate VaccinesMeningococcal Prophylaxis
Hospitalized meningococcal meningitis patients in northeastern Ghana during 1972-1973 were studied to provide baseline information about case clustering and age-specific attack rates to guide meningitis control programs. In 1973, group A meningococci were prevalent and 7% of isolates were sulfadiazine-resistant. In contrast to the age distribution of meningococcal meningitis in North and South America, peak attack rates occurred in 10- to 14-year-old Ghanaians. A mass immunization campaign using group A polysaccharide vaccine in heavily populated areas of the Bawku and Nalgerigu districts is recommended.