Scientists mark 'stunning success' of vaccine in virtually ridding Africa of meningitis A

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-11/bc-sm110215.php

Public Release: 9-Nov-2015
Scientists mark 'stunning success' of vaccine in virtually ridding Africa of meningitis A
New research forecasts a resurgence of meningitis A epidemics in 15 years should immunization efforts stall
Burness Communications

Five years after the introduction of an affordable conjugate meningitis A vaccine, immunization has led to the control and near elimination of deadly meningitis A disease in the African "meningitis belt." In 2013, only four laboratory-confirmed cases of meningitis A were reported by the 26 countries in the meningitis belt.

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But scientists are now warning that unless countries within the belt incorporate the meningitis A vaccine in routine immunization schedules for infants, there is a risk that the disease could rebound in 15 years' time. One of the journal studies found that a childhood vaccination strategy will be much cheaper than reacting to future epidemics with disruptive and costly case management and mass vaccination campaigns.

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