Conakry, Guinea - About 80 cases of meningitis, including five deaths, were reported during the first quarter of the year in Dinguiraye, central Guinea, the national radio station said Sunday, quoting the Guinean Minister of Health, Naman Keita. Keita said his ministry dispatched a team of technicians in the locality, who confirmed the existence of the epidemic in Dinguiraye, where people are advised to report in case of headaches or neck stiffness. The minister assured that the treatment of patients would be free, underlining that the epidemiological surveillance would be strengthened, as he urged the people to get vaccinated against meningitis.

He called on development partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to provide assistance to Guinea.

Pana 11/04/2011