Four people have died of meningitis in Malakal, Upper Nile State.

So far, there are 113 people who have fallen ill with meningitis, according to the Minister of Health.

The World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health have announced they will carry out a vaccination campaign to tackle the meningitis outbreak in the Upper Nile.

The Minister of health Doctor Michael Milly Hussein told Eye Radio that they are in full control of the situation:

“There is an outbreak of meningitis which has already gone beyond the threshold and that is why we have declared it an epidemic.”

Dr. Milly added that government is transporting the vaccines from France to South Sudan in order to help people who are in need in Upper Nile.

The vaccine is due to arrive in Juba today and be flown to Malakal later today [Monday].

Medical studies show that meningitis is a bacterial infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

The most common symptoms of meningitis are headache and neck stiffness associated with fever, confusion or altered consciousness, vomiting, and an inability to tolerate light or loud noises.

Meningitis can be prevented by observing proper hygiene and through vaccination available at the hospitals.