Meningitis is a worldwide risk of higher prevalence in the extended 'meningitis belt' of sub-Saharan Africa. This encompasses 26 countries from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east.
Countries at risk
Travel Precautions
Meningitis is a medical emergency requiring urgent hospital treatment, therefore, it’s preferable to take measures to prevent rather than treat the disease. Meningococcal disease is an airborne disease transmitted by respiratory droplets, and therefore of higher risk in overcrowded areas. A single dose of Menveo to vaccinate against Meningitis ACWY is recommended when travelling to areas of high risk. All travellers who are vaccinated against Meningitis ACWY will also receive a certificate; Hajj and Umrah pilgrims are required to show this certificate on arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms can manifest within minutes, and include fever, headache, cold extremities, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, sleepiness, confusion, seizures and loss of consciousness.
Babies, children and adolescents are particularly at risk. Whilst symptoms in babies and young children may be hard to identify, keep an eye out for the following signs: refusing feeds, irregular crying, irritability, listlessness, unresponsiveness, jerky movements or becoming stiff or floppy and very rapid breathing.
A red, purplish rash that does not fade when pressure is applied is a tell-tale sign of Meningitis induced blood poisoning.
The Vaccination
• Course: 1 dose.
• When to get vaccinated: It is advised to get vaccinated a full 2 weeks before travelling to ensure maximum protection from day one. No booster is required but if required for a certificate, you can have one after five years.
• Side effects: Side effects are rarely severe. They might include redness at the injection site or mild fever.
• Children: The vaccine is suitable for children over the age of two months, however, we only vaccinate children aged 12 years and older.