What is the case fatality rate among reported meningitis cases in children aged 15 years and younger this year in this region?

• A. 18%
• B. 7%
• C. 28%
• D. 9%

Answer: (A)

Case fatality rate shows how deadly a disease is among those diagnosed, calculated as the number of deaths from meningitis in children 15 and younger divided by the number of reported meningitis cases in that age group this year, multiplied by 100.

Here, 18% means that about 18 of every 100 reported meningitis cases in children 15 and younger resulted in death this year. This rate reflects the severity of the disease in the region and can be influenced by factors such as the causative meningitis pathogens, how quickly and effectively children receive medical care, vaccination coverage, and how completely cases and deaths are reported. In other words, the 18% CFR indicates substantial mortality among reported cases, guiding public health focus on early treatment access, vaccination, and surveillance accuracy.