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Meningitis in Nigeria (Update)

19 May 2017

As of 9 May 2017 the Nigerian Ministry of Health reported a total of 13 420 suspected cases (1069 deaths) of cerebrospinal meningitis: 448 cases are laboratory-confirmed.

In the last four weeks, 48 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have reached alert/epidemic threshold in six States — Zamfara, Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Yobe.

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.