Meningococcal meningitis Vaccination

Meningococcal meningitis is an infection of the membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord. It can progress to systemic infection and blood poisoning (septicaemia). It can result in brain and nerve damage. Get medical help immediately if you think you or someone you are caring for is suffering from meningitis: don’t wait for the rash to appear. About 5–10% of patients will die, often within 48 hours of infection.

The bacteria are carried by 25% of healthy adolescents and 5–11% of healthy adults, mainly in the nasal passages. It is transmitted via respiratory droplets and secretions.

Symptoms of meningitis

Meningitis has a range of symptoms and prompt medical assistance should be sought if they occur. There may be a sudden fever, intense headache, nausea and vomiting, a stiff neck and seizures. There may be blood spots under the skin, which form a blotchy rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass. The patient may also be irritable in the presence of light, drowsy and confused.

Countries where there is a risk of catching meningitis

There is a worldwide risk of meningococcal meningitis, but the meningitis belt of Sub-Saharan Africa has a higher risk and includes all or part of these countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan and South Sudan.

If you are a pilgrim travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj, you will need to produce a certificate of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis to obtain a visa.

What travellers are at risk from meningococcal meningitis?

It is very difficult to avoid respiratory infections, but there are few activities that will increase your risk of contracting meningococcal meningitis.

If you are travelling within the African meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June) you are at risk because dusty winds, cold nights and upper respiratory infections increase the incidence of meningococcal disease.

Health workers, volunteers and people visiting family and those on a long trip are also at elevated risk.

Meningococcal meningitis spreads quickly at mass gatherings such as festivals, markets, weddings or funerals.

Avoid meningococcal meningitis

There are several vaccines available for meningococcal meningitis: discuss the options with your healthcare adviser.

Diligent hand hygiene can reduce the risk of respiratory infections. Also avoid sharing cutlery, cups, cosmetics and toothbrushes. Protect others by having good sneezing and coughing etiquette: use your elbow (like Dracula!) not your hand.

You can reduce exposure by avoiding crowded spaces, such as public transport or local markets, but this may not be possible or desirable.