Concern over growing threat posed by infectious meningitis in Kenya

One dose of meningococcal vaccine. [Courtesy/GettyImages]

Eight billion people live in parts of the world where meningococcal meningitis is rampant. More than a third of humanity is thus exposed to the risk of infections. About two million people are affected by meningococcal meningitis annually.

The severe forms of the disease are responsible for a high mortality rate, especially among children but also affect all age groups. A fast diagnosis of the severe cases of meningococcal meningitis and early treatments are becoming crucial in the crusade against the disease. The geographical distribution of meningococcal meningitis, throughout the world, has been changing constantly over the years.