Two Die of Meningitis Outbreak at Mwense School, Gov’t Confirms

The Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Pneumococcal Meningitis at Mwense Secondary School in Luapula Province, following the deaths of two 19-year-old male learners on June 8 and July 3, 2025. The confirmation comes after an alarming rise in flu-like illnesses among students.

According to a statement issued by Minister of Health Dr. Elijah J. Muchima, laboratory analysis by the University Teaching Hospital and national reference laboratories confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae as the primary bacteria responsible for the outbreak. Additional pathogens, including Influenza A and B and Klebsiella pneumoniae, have also been detected.

So far, 83 suspected meningitis cases have been reported. Of these, five have been confirmed, with two fatalities and 16 recoveries. Seventeen patients remain hospitalized—nine at Mwense District Hospital and eight at Mansa General Hospital. Encouragingly, no deaths have been recorded in the past 24 hours.

In response, the Ministry has mobilized national health teams, established isolation centers, intensified infection control measures, and trained healthcare personnel in early detection and management. Community engagement and mass health screenings are also underway.

While pneumococcal vaccines exist, the government’s current containment strategy prioritizes preventive antibiotic treatment over mass immunization.

The public has been urged to remain alert and seek immediate medical care if symptoms such as fever, stiff neck, confusion, or severe headache occur. Preventive steps like regular handwashing, mask-wearing when sick, and avoiding overcrowded spaces are strongly advised.

Dr. Muchima also appealed to well-wishers and stakeholders to support the Ministry’s efforts by improving sanitation, ventilation, and water access at the affected school.

“This government remains committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of all citizens,” Dr. Muchima said. “We call on the public to unite in raising awareness and kicking out meningitis from Zambia.”