NIGERIA

-- A meningitis epidemic has broken out in the
country claiming more than
2,655 lives, most of them
children, says a recent World
Health Organization (WHO)
report. At least 20 million
Nigerians are reported to be
at risk. The disease, identified as spinal meningitis, is
highly contagious and is
spread by any form of physical or respiratory contact. It
can be prevented by vaccination and isolation of suspected carriers. Since January,
17,668 meningitis cases have
been reported, of which 80
per cent are children under
age 14, said WHO spokesperson Philippe Stroot. Other
diseases like cholera and
measles are also widespread
in the country.