JEMA : Your Health Promotion Experts

Health Alert

Meningococcal Disease in Nigeria

What is the current situation?

As of March 29, 2015, a total of 1,346 cases of meningitis, including 50 deaths, have been reported from the Nigerian states of Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara. Meningococcal disease refers to an infection with the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis; most infections cause meningitis, but it can also infect the blood. A vaccine campaign is taking place in this region of Nigeria in response to the outbreak. The outbreak is also occurring in Niger.(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/meningococcal-disease-niger)

CDC recommends that travelers to Nigeria(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/nigeria?s_cid=ncezid-dgmq-travel-single-001) get vaccinated with quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine, which protects against N. meningitidis serogroups A, C, W, and Y. Travelers who continue to be at risk should receive a booster dose every 5 years.

What can travelers do to prevent meningococcal disease?

Get a meningococcal vaccine:

• A dose of quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine is recommended for people traveling to the regions of Nigeria and Niger where the outbreak is occurring and to other areas of the country that are part of the “meningitis belt” (see map(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2014/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/meningococcal-disease#3972)).
• Even if you have received this vaccine in the past, you may need a booster dose, usually every 5 years.
• Infants and young children may need more than one dose of vaccine.
• It takes approximately 7-10 days after receiving the vaccine before a person can develop protection against the disease.
• See Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) for more information.

Reduce your exposure to germs:

• Wash your hands often.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean your hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.

If you feel sick and think you may have meningococcal disease:

• If you think you or your child has symptoms of meningococcal disease, call the doctor right away.
  • Tell them about your travel.
  • For more information about medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care Abroad(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/getting-health-care-abroad).

Traveler Information

• CDC Meningococcal Disease website
• CDC Meningococcal Vaccination
• Meningococcal Disease Prevention
• Vaccine Information Statements (VIS)

Clinician Information

• Meningococcal Disease(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2014/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/meningococcal-disease)  in CDC Health Information for International Travelers – “Yellow Book”
• Meningococcal Vaccination
• Meningococcal Clinical Information
• Meningococcal Disease: Standard Notifiable Disease
• CDC Meningococcal Disease website
• Meningococcal Disease in CDC Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine Preventable Diseases – “Pink Book”
• Vaccine Information Statements (VIS)