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Menigococcal Meningitis in Nigeria

06 March 2015

The media has reported on an outbreak of meningococal meningitis in Kebbi state, north-western Nigeria. A total of 100 suspected cases, including 42 deaths have been reported. Five areas of the state have reported cases: Jega (46 cases 3 deaths) , Argungu (6 cases), Gwandu, (36 cases), Aliero, (49 cases 34 deaths), and (Zuru (5 deaths 17 cases).

The government has dispatched 20 000 doses of vaccine to the affected areas and an immunisation campaign has been implemented. The campaign will be expanded to cover the whole state in order to contain the outbreak.

The meningitis serogroup has not been identified in this report and official confirmation is awaited from WHO.

(Via allAfrica - accessed 06/03/15)

Advice for Travellers

In Nigeria, the meningococcal season generally runs from Dec-Jun. Immunisation is available for those considered to be at risk:

  • Travellers who are likely to have close, prolonged contact with the local population.
  • Long stay travellers.
  • Those visiting friends and relatives.
  • Those who will be exposed to crowded areas (e.g. stadia, schools, hospitals).
  • Travellers visiting an area affected by an ongoing outbreak or epidemic.