§ Sir R. Glynasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether be can give any figures concerning the epidemic of cerebro-spinal meningitis in the Sudan; and what steps have been taken to ascertain the causes, both this year and last year, and to check this disease.
§ Mr. NuttingThe figures are as follows:
Number of cases
- December 1949-June, 1950—5,335.
- July, 1950-June, 1951—52,240.
- July, 1951-22nd March, 1952—7,956.
Mortality rate
- 1950–1951—13.4 per cent.
- Current—14.5 per cent.
No means of immunisation have yet been discovered against this disease, and widespread use of chemoprophylactics is impracticable in the Sudan owing amongst other things to administrative difficulties, and the impossibility of securing closed communities.
Control of the outbreak in the Sudan has been effected, with relatively satisfactory results, by concentrating on detection and early treatment of cases.
The Sudan Government has sought the advice of the World Health Organisation on means to check the disease and on a long-term policy of prevention. Two representatives of that organisation are now examining the situation in the area, and endeavouring to initiate a localised chemoprophylactic scheme. They have expressed appreciation of the Sudan Government's efforts to deal with the outbreak.