The WHO Weekly Bulletin on Outbreaks and Other Emergencies for Week 13 (25 – 31 March 2024) reports that the Ministry of Health in the Central African Republic has officially declared an outbreak of meningococcal W135 meningitis in the Batangafo-Kabo health district as of 22 March 2024. Cumulatively, 35 suspected cases and nine deaths (CFR: 26.0%) had been recorded in Kabo and Ouaki districts.
A total of 18 cerebrospinal fluid samples were analysed at the Institut Pasteur in Bangui, resulting in the identification of one confirmed case of Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) serogroup W135.