NIAMEY At least 606 cases of meningitis were recorded in Niger in January and 50 people have died from the infection, according to official figures published on Tuesday.

In December there were 42 deaths among the 342 new cases reported to the government's early warning system for catastrophes.

Meningitis is an inflammation, caused by bacteria or viruses, of the tissues which cover the brain and spinal cord.

It can lead to death or permanent brain damage if it is not recognized and treated in time.

The disease is a seasonal problem in the West African state, with cases tending to increase during the dry season in the early months of the year.

Last year 1,065 people died from meningitis and there were 14,374 reported cases.

The worst year in recent times was 1995 with around 43,000 cases recorded and over 3,800 deaths.

(Reuter)