Meningococcal Disease

January 2011

 

What is Meningococcal Disease?

Meningococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.  This bacterium can cause serious and sometimes fatal diseases including meningitis (infection of the brain lining) and meningococcal septicemia (infection of the blood). 

There are many different subtypes of the bacteria but 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

• Meningococcal disease is spread from close and prolonged contact with an infected person through saliva or secretions (fluids) from the nose and throat. Examples include kissing, sneezing or coughing, living in close quarters with an infected person, sharing eating or drinking utensils.
• Most people exposed to the bacteria do not become infected but may become carriers and spread the bacteria to others.

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

Meningococcal Disease in Africa December 1, 2011

Recommendations for Travellers

1. The recommended immunizations and advice on health risks must be tailored to each individual’s particular health situation, as well as his/her travel itinerary.  It is important to consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.
   
   
2. Get vaccinated
   
   Travellers to countries experiencing outbreaks and high risk travellers 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. 
      
      More information is available on the meningococcal vaccine for travellers from the Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT).
      
      
3. Monitor your health
   
   Most travellers are at low risk. If you develop symptoms of meningitis, as described above, see a doctor, nurse or 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

• PHAC – Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Meningococcal
• Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT) – Statement on Meningococcal Vaccination in Travellers
• Health Canada – It’s Your Health: Meningococcal Vaccine
• World Health Organization (WHO) – Fact Sheet: Meningococcal Meningitis