Rare bacterial disease in Delhi

NEW DELHI, Thursday (AFP) - An outbreak of rare bacterial meningitis in the Indian capital has killed at least nine people out of 51 infected, doctors said Wednesday.

"The public is advised to report to the nearest health facility as soon as possible if there is a sudden rise of high fever along with headache, vomiting, neck pain or skin rashes," medical authorities in New Delhi said.

Officials said all doctors and health workers treating the patients were being vaccinated as were the family members of those infected.

Unlike the common viral meningitis, the bacterium which causes the disease infects the fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord.