Question : CASES OF MENINGITIS

(a) whether the Government has taken note of the rise in the number of cases of Meningitis in the country particularly in the North-East, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar;

(b) if so, the number of such cases reported and the number of children died of the said disease during each of the last three years and the current year so far, State/UT-wise;

(c) the reasons for the high prevalence of the disease across the country, particularly in the above States;

(d) whether the Government has set up any Committee to suggest remedial measures to overcome the menace of the disease in the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof alongwith action taken/proposed by the Government for the prevention and treatment of the said disease in the country?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) & (b): Reported cases of meningitis do not show any definite trend in the country including the North-Eastern states and Uttar Pradesh. Reported Meningitis cases and deaths during 2009-2011, State/UT-wise, are given in the Annexure. Child specific data on Meningitis cases and deaths are not available.

(c) Meningococcal meningitis has an established seasonal and cyclical trend and occurs more frequently in dry and cold seasons of the year. Overcrowding and low socioeconomic status are important predisposing factors. The disease spreads from person to person through air and by direct contact.

(d): No.

(e): The Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP) is being implemented in the country with the objectives to detect and respond to disease outbreaks including outbreaks of meningitis.

Central Rapid Response Teams are sent to affected areas to carry out field investigations and help State Health Authorities in instituting control measures.

Information regarding Meningococcal Meningitis and other communicable diseases are regularly published in the monthly news letter “CD Alert” of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for awareness of the health care workers.