American Citizen Services

Warden Message

Mennigitis in Cote D'Ivoire (January 25, 2008)

U.S. Embassy, Abidjan

To the American Citizen Community:

The U.S. Embassy’s Health Unit reported 119 cases of meningitis in Burkina Faso so far this year, resulting in 19 deaths. This disease is caused by various bacteria/virus and is contagious from person to person. It is easily prevented by getting a meningococcal immunization which is good for three years before one needs a booster shot.

Although there have been no reported cases in Cote d’Ivoire, the country is on the periphery of the African “meningitis belt.”  We therefore advise American citizens to take precautions by getting the proper immunization. There are several names of vaccines, including menactra, menume, and mencevax (available locally).

The U.S. Embassy is located in the Riviera Golf neighborhood of the Cocody section of Abidjan.  Our main telephone number is (+225) 22-49-40-00; after hours, please call (+225) 22-49-44-50.  The Embassy website is http://abidjan.usembassy.gov/ . Our mailing address is 01 B.P. 1712, Abidjan 01.