Overview

Meningitis is a swelling of the brain and spinal cord with a variety of symptoms that can lead to prolonged illness and death.  Epidemics of meningitis occur frequently in sub-Saharan Africa during the dry season. RAL scientists are developing a prototype Earth-gauging system that integrates weather and health data to manage meningitis. The project aims to build and implement a decision-support system that integrates two- to 14-day weather forecasts and epidemiological data to provide actionable information that can be used to contain the spread of meningitis epidemics. In 2009 we are establishing local partnerships in Ghana, demonstrating weather-meningitis links, and developing and verifying ensemble derived forecasts for meningitis management.

Frequent outbreaks of meningitis during the dry season in sub-Saharan Africa may be related to wind-blown dust that inundates villages like this and causes respiratory and nasal problems among residents. RAL scientists are working to develop a prototype decision support system that integrates weather and health data to provide information that can be used to contain the spread of meningitis epidemics.