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Meningitis in Nigeria

03 January 2019

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued an advisory on the risk of meningitis. As the dry season begins in Nigeria NCDC expect an increase in the number of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) cases. From 1 October to 18 December 2018 72 suspected cases of meningitis have been reported from ten states. Four samples were positive for bacterial meningitis, all being Neisseria meningitides serogroup C. Nine deaths (CFR=12.5%) have been recorded among all suspected cases.

Between the beginning of January and 9 December 2018 4464 suspected meningitis cases with 318 laboratory confirmed and 360 deaths (CFR, 8.1%) were reported, compared with 9939 suspected cases and 607 deaths (CFR, 6.1%) during the same period in 2017.

Advice to Travellers

  • Risk of infection for most travellers is very low (particularly for package tourists).
  • Risk is increased if travelling to a region with ongoing epidemic where close, prolonged contact with local population anticipated.
  • All travellers should be aware of the risk of meningococcal disease, its transmission routes and symptoms and advised to avoid overcrowded areas.

When to consider vaccination

Vaccination should be considered under the following circumstances and is dependant on the individual risk assessment:

  • Travel to region with a current outbreak/ongoing epidemic where close, prolonged contact with local population anticipated particularly in overcrowded areas.
  • Travel to a high endemic region for individuals with immunodeficiency including asplenia.

Vaccination

Information also available in DH Green Book. This book is produced by the JCVI (Joint Committee for Vaccines and Immunisations). Their guidance may vary slightly from that of the vaccine manufacturers but should be followed by UK practitioners.

  • Travellers should be vaccinated using a quadrivalent vaccine to protect against the most likely serotypes encountered during travel, A, C, W-135 and Y.
  • Vaccination against serogroup B only is part of the British Vaccination Schedule and is offered to all children at 2, 4 and 12-13 months.
  • Vaccination against A, C, W-135 and Y is given as part of the British Vaccination Schedule at around 14 years.

Meningococcal vaccine for travel is not remunerated by the NHS as part of additional services but can be given either under NHS or Private provision. See Vaccine Charges for further information.