Meningitis in Liberia

On the 10 May 2017 WHO reported it had been informed by Liberia’s MOH of 31 cases including 13 deaths of unknown aetiology in Sinoe County. Samples from four of the deceased patients had tested positive for meningitis C (Neisseria menigitidis).

An investigation is still ongoing to determine if this bacteria is responsible for other reported illnesses in this cluster.

Advice for Travellers

Spread through airborne droplets and direct contact with nasal/pharyngeal secretions of infected individuals or carriers. Meningococcal disease is found worldwide but epidemics may occur in this country, which lies within the extended meningitis belt of Africa, particularly during the dry season. If vaccination is recommended, quadrivalent conjugate vaccine should be used.

Consider vaccinating:

• Travellers who are likely to have close, prolonged contact with the local population.
• Long stay travellers.
• Those visiting friends and relatives.
• Those attending mass gatherings (e.g. Hajj or Umrah, festivals, stadia).
• Those who will be exposed to municipal crowded areas (e.g. schools, dormitories, hospitals).
• Travellers visiting an area affected by an ongoing outbreak or epidemic.
• Immunocompromised travellers (including asplenia) visiting endemic areas.