Meningococcal meningitis Vaccination

Meningococcal meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane of the brain and spinal cord (meninges) that can progress to septicemia (blood poisoning) and systemic infection. Meningitis can also lead to nerve damage. This illness is very serious and may result in death, with about 5–10% of cases proving fatal. If you think you or someone you are caring for has meningitis, get medical help immediately.

The bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis can be found in the nasal passages of 25% of healthy adolescents and 5–11% of healthy adults. The bacteria are spread via respiratory droplets and secretions.

Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis

Meningococcal meningitis has a range of symptoms and immediate medical attention should be sought if they occur. There is a characteristic rash, caused by blood spots under the skin, that does not fade when pressed with a glass. This symptom often appears later on. If you suspect meningitis, do not wait for the rash: get help straight away.

Patients are often irritated by light, drowsy and confused. Other symptoms include:

• sudden fever
• intense headache
• nausea and vomiting
• stiff neck

Countries where meningitis is a risk

There is a worldwide risk of meningococcal meningitis, but Sub-Saharan Africa has a higher risk than most countries and the African meningitis belt 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
• South Sudan.

Pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj need to produce a certificate of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis to obtain a visa.

Travellers who are at risk from meningococcal meningitis

Respiratory illnesses are hard to avoid because they are spread by coughs and sneezes and also by respiratory secretions left on surfaces.

Travel to the African meningococcal meningitis belt between December and June will increase your risk of exposure because during the dry season the dusty winds and cold nights result in respiratory infections that increase the incidence of meningococcal meningitis.

If you are on a homestay visit, or if you are visiting relatives your risk of contracting meningococcal meningitis is elevated. Healthcare workers and volunteers are also at increased risk of exposure to the bacteria that causes meningitis.

Outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis have been traced back to gatherings such as weddings, funerals, festivals and markets.

How to avoid meningococcal meningitis

Canadian children and teens are covered for meningococcal meningitis through their regular vaccinations, and adults should make sure that their immunizations are up to date. There are several vaccines available for meningococcal meningitis Discuss your coverage with your healthcare provider before travelling to any country with a greater than usual risk of meningitis.

Diligent handwashing, good sneezing and coughing etiquette can reduce the incidence or respiratory infections. You may wish to avoid crowded spaces, too – although this may not be possible or desirable.