MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS IN PATIENTS WITH FALCIPARUM-MALARIA

Between October 1994 and January 1995 a field hospital saw nine cases of falciparum malaria associated with meningococcal meningitis among R wandan patients residing in Kibumba refugee camp in Goma, Zaire. All e xcept one presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of meningeal ir ritation; all but one responded to intravenous quinine and chloramphen icol or ampicillin. Two had recrudescence of malaria and responded to treatment with pyrimethamine-sulphadoxine (Fansidar). There were no se quelae seen. Meningococcal meningitis is uncommon but frequently fatal if it occurs in patients with falciparum malaria. Early diagnosis and treatment are urgent to decrease morbidity and mortality.