We have identified you may not be viewing TRAVAX optimally because the browser you are using is unsupported - click here.

placeholder="Enter search term...">
Suitcase

Meningitis in Nigeria

26 January 2023

According to media reports, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has sent a Rapid Response Team to Jigawa, Yobe and Katsina States where there is an outbreak of meningitis.

Dr Priscilla Ibekwe of NCDC said there were 129 cases, including 35 deaths, from 5 December 2022 to EPI 15 January 2023.

Meningococcal meningitis is an acute disease, caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitides that can cause serious systemic infection. It is spread through sneezing, coughing or direct contact with respiratory secretions. It is a major public health problem in countries of the African meningitis belt, including Nigeria.

Advice to travellers

Risk of infection for most travellers is very low (particularly for package tourists). Risk is increased for those travelling to a region with an ongoing epidemic:

  • who anticipate close, prolonged contact with the local population
  • who plan to visit overcrowded areas e.g. busy market places, or use public transport
  • to attend a mass gathering event
  • if they have immunodeficiency including asplenia

All travellers should be aware of the risk of meningococcal disease, its transmission routes and symptoms and advised to:

See the TRAVAX Meningococcal Meningitis page for further information.