Meningococcal Meningitis in Guinea

21 May 2014

An immunisation campaign against meningococcal meningitis is planned for the Upper Guinea region in the northeast of the country. This region is drier than other parts of Guinea and 467 cases of meningococcal meningitis have been reported this season tso far. The campaign will begin shortly and will target more than 3 million individuals at risk in 17 localities. This is a media report and no mention of which strain of meningitis is causing the outbreak is made.

Advice for Travellers

Meningitis is spread through airborne droplets and direct contact with nasal/throat secretions of infected individuals or carriers. Meningococcal disease is found worldwide but epidemics may occur in this country, which lies within the meningitis belt of Africa, particularly during the dry season (generally Dec-Apr).

Most travellers will be at low risk, particularly package tourists, however those going to Guinea should discuss their vaccination requirements with a healthcare professional.