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MENINGITIS

Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain. It can be caused by a bacteria, virus or fungus. The meningitis of most concern to travellers is caused by a bacterium called ‘meningococcus’. These aggressive bacteria can quickly lead to a life threatening illness. Meningitis is transmitted from person to person through close contact (droplet infection – the same way as you catch a cold).

Areas of high risk are the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa – Senegal and Mauritania across to Ethiopia, Burundi and Rwanda. There is a seasonal influence with most outbreaks occurring during the dry season (December to June). Other areas of concern include North India and Nepal.

Symptoms include headache, neck stiffness and fever. A rash is common and usually signifies severe disease. Although antibiotics if given early usually cure the disease, some patients may suffer permanent effects such as deafness and brain damage.

The risk of travellers getting the disease is actually small, depending on time in the area and contact with local population. Because the major concern with this disease is the speed with which it attacks, protection is strongly urged for travellers who may be relatively isolated.

There are a number of vaccines available that can be used to protect against this very severe disease (e.g. MENOMUNE, MENCEVAX). The vaccine offers approximately 90% protection against bacterial meningitis strains A,C,Y and W. The duration of protection is for 1 to 3 years. It does not protect you from any types of meningitis other than ‘meningococcal’.

All pilgrims during the Haj annual pilgrimage are required to be vaccinated.

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