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No thanksBefore departure, you should learn about the health conditions in the country or countries you plan to visit, your own risk of disease and the steps you can take to prevent illness by visiting a travel health clinic or a physician.
Meningococcal meningitis, a form of meningococcal disease, is a contagious disease caused by the bacterium, Neisseria meningitidis. Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord that without immediate treatment can lead to rapid death or permanent brain damage, particularly in young children.
There are 13 recognized serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis. The groups A, B and C account for roughly 90% of outbreaks of meningococcal disease; groups Y and W-135 are less common causes of infection. Vaccines providing coverage against groups A, C, Y and W-135 have been developed, however no vaccine is yet available to offer protection against group B. Meningococcemia, another form of meningococcal disease, results from an overwhelming infection of the blood and can be more serious, with a higher fatality rate than meningitis.
What is the risk?
Some international travellers may be at risk of acquiring meningitis abroad due to the nature and location of their travel. As meningitis is air-borne and can be spread person-to-person, travel in an area of high meningitis prevalence; prolonged duration of exposure; and activities which intensify exposure, such as health care work involving close, unprotected contact with infected persons, work with refugees, and back-packing may increase the risk of exposure to meningitis. Additionally, the nature and circumstances of contact with local people is important in determining a traveller's risk of exposure. Those who will be in close contact with the local population through accommodation, public transport or work are considered to be at higher risk.
Recommendations for vaccination for individuals travelling internationally should be based on factors such as the travel destination, the nature and duration of travel, and the age and health of the traveller.
Proof of vaccination may be required to enter certain countries.
Based on these factors, it is very important to seek medical advice from a physician or travel health professional prior to departure.
How is it spread?
Meningococcal infection is spread through direct person-to-person contact with droplets of nasal or throat secretions of infected individuals. Close and prolonged contact (e.g. kissing, sneezing and coughing on someone, living in close quarters or dormitories) facilitates the spread of infection. Children under the age of five, and particularly those under the age of one, are at highest risk of acquiring the disease followed by teenagers between 15 and 19 years of age.
Symptoms
Symptoms may appear between two to 10 days, most often ranging between three and four days after being exposed to an infected person.
Symptoms include the sudden onset of intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, photophobia (dislike to light) and stiff neck. Neurological signs include lethargy, delirium, coma and/or convulsions.
Infants and newborns may not present with the classic symptoms listed above, exhibiting instead extreme irritability or lethargy. Many people infected with meningitis do not develop symptoms however are carriers and therefore can spread the illness to others.
Meningococcemia, although less common, is more severe and is characterized by a haemorrhagic rash, rapid circulatory collapse and a high fatality rate.
Treatment
Meningococcal disease is a medical emergency, requiring early diagnosis, hospitalization, and effective treatment. When the infection is diagnosed and treated early, antibiotics can be effective in stopping the illness and reducing fatalities. Without treatment, 50% of those infected may not survive. Even with prompt medical treatment, five to10% of patients may not survive, while up to 20% of those who do survive a severe case may have persistent neurological defects after recovery.
This information is intended to provide general health-related information about meningococcal disease. It is not intended to replace medical consultation at a travel health clinic or by your physician.
