logo
Science Portal
Copyright © Médecins Sans Frontières
v2.1.5209.produseast1
About MSF Science Portal
About
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Copyright © Médecins Sans Frontières
v2.1.5209.produseast1
Spatial dynamics of meningococcal meningitis in Niger: observed patterns in comparison with measles | Journal Article / Research | MSF Science Portal
Journal Article
|Research

Spatial dynamics of meningococcal meningitis in Niger: observed patterns in comparison with measles

Bharti N, Broutin H, Grais RF, Ferrari MJ, Djibo A, Tatem AJ, Grenfell BT
Download

Similar Content
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Abstract
Throughout the African meningitis belt, meningococcal meningitis outbreaks occur only during the dry season. Measles in Niger exhibits similar seasonality, where increased population density during the dry season probably escalates measles transmission. Because meningococcal meningitis and measles are both directly transmitted, we propose that host aggregation also impacts the transmission of meningococcal meningitis. Although climate affects broad meningococcal meningitis seasonality, we focus on the less examined role of human density at a finer spatial scale. By analysing spatial patterns of suspected cases of meningococcal meningitis, we show fewer absences of suspected cases in districts along primary roads, similar to measles fadeouts in the same Nigerien metapopulation. We further show that, following periods during no suspected cases, districts with high reappearance rates of meningococcal meningitis also have high measles reintroduction rates. Despite many biological and epidemiological differences, similar seasonal and spatial patterns emerge from the dynamics of both diseases. This analysis enhances our understanding of spatial patterns and disease transmission and suggests hotspots for infection and potential target areas for meningococcal meningitis surveillance and intervention.

Countries

Niger

Subject Area

meningitismeasles

Languages

English
DOI
10.1017/S0950268811002032
Published Date
05 Oct 2011
PubMed ID
22009033
Journal
Epidemiology and Infection
Volume | Issue | Pages
Volume 140, Issue 8, Pages 1356-1365
Issue Date
2011-10-05
Dimensions Badge