Meningococcal Disease

Released: March 2009

What is Meningococcal Disease?

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

• Take an average four days to appear.  In some cases symptoms may appear between two and 10 days after infection. 
• Usually include high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness.  Other symptoms may include sensitivity to light (photophobia), confusion and a purplish skin rash.
• Complications can include deafness, brain damage, problems with the nervous system, seizures and may lead to death.

Transmission

• Meningitis is spread from close, direct or prolonged contact with an infected person through saliva or secretions (fluids) from the nose and throat.
• The bacteria are not spread through casual contact with an infected person.
• Most people exposed to the bacteria do not become infected. Most of those who are infected do not develop the disease.

Where is Meningococcal Disease a concern?

Meningococcal disease occurs worldwide with seasonal variations.

• In temperate zones, most epidemics occur during the winter months.
• In tropical areas, most epidemics occur during the dry season.  In sub-Saharan Africa, where the meningitis belt extends from Gambia and Senegal to Ethiopia and Western Eritrea, most outbreaks occur from December to June.

Related Travel Health Notices

• Meningitis in Africa

Recommendations for Travellers

1. Get vaccinated
   
   

   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:
   

1. Anyone living or working with the local population (ie: health care workers) in areas where meningitis is present or outbreaks are occurring (such as the sub-Saharan African meningitis belt ).  The risk is greater among those who are exposed for a long time. 
2. Anyone travelling to crowded areas or taking part in large gatherings such as the Hajj. 
2. Monitor your health

Most travellers are at low risk. If you develop symptoms of meningitis, as described above, see a health care provider immediately.

Don’t Forget …

1. Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.

2. What to do if you get sick when you are travelling.

3. What to do if you get sick after you return to Canada.

4. Know what vaccines you need and when to get them.

Other Related Information

• Public Health Agency of Canada – Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Meningococcal
• Information on Meningococcal Vaccine from Health Canada – It’s Your Health