Meningitis cases reported in Morocco are 'isolated,' health minister

Cases of meningitis reported in Morocco are "isolated," said the Moroccan Health Minister, Mohamed Cheikh Biadillah.

On the meningitis cases recently reported in the town of Chefchaouen (north), Biadillah said the epidemiological situation is under control, explaining that 62 cases have been reported, including five casualities.

Speaking at the House of Advisors question-time, Biadillah said measures have been taken to vaccinate all persons under 30 in the commune of Ouzgane (north), where 28 cases have been reported, and in hamlets where a few cases have occurred.

Some 10,000 persons have been vaccinated and campaigns have been organized in the province to raise awareness about the disease.

In the five latest years "364 cases have been reported," he said, noting the occurrence of 40 to 50 deadly cases a year.

The minister explained that his department's strategy is designed to limit cases of meningitis and to cut deadly cases to less than 10 percent of people affected by the disease. He explained that the strategy includes early detection and preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of epidemics.