Released: March 6, 2009
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends vaccination against meningitis for anyone travelling to countries with high rates of meningitis.
Travellers should get vaccinated against the four sub types of meningitis caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis (A,C,Y,W-135) that are responsible for outbreaks in the sub-Saharan African meningitis belt .
The sub-Saharan African meningitis belt extends across from Gambia and Senegal to Ethiopia and Western Eritrea. Outbreaks occur during the dry season (December-June).
Presently, the Ministry of Health in Nigeria has reported 5323 suspected cases of meningitis, including 333 deaths in 22 states and in the capital city of Abuja.
Further information is available from the World Health Organization Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response: Meningococcal disease in Nigeria .
Make sure you check with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s advice on travel to countries in Africa .
Meningococcal disease is a serious and sometimes fatal bacterial infection of the tissue surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. There are 12 different subtypes of the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. Five of the subtypes (A, B, C, Y and W135) are responsible for the majority of meningitis cases.
Symptoms
Transmission
Travellers at high risk should consult with a doctor, nurse or health care provider to discuss the benefits of getting vaccinated. Travellers at high risk include:
Most travellers are at low risk. If you develop symptoms of meningitis, as described above, see a health care provider immediately.
Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.
What to do if you get sick when you are travelling.
What to do if you get sick after you return to Canada.
Know what vaccines you need and when to get them.