Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and sepsis. The risk varies by region and sometimes by season.

🌍 Travel Risks (Africa)

Highest risk is in the “meningitis belt,” which stretches across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal and Guinea in the west to Ethiopia and Uganda in the east.

Countries in this belt include: Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Cameroon, Central African Republic, and Ethiopia.

Epidemics are more common during the dry season (December–June).

Travellers to this region, especially during outbreaks, are advised to be vaccinated.

🌍 Travel Risks (Asia)

The risk is generally low in most of Asia.

Higher risk occurs in certain settings, such as crowded pilgrimage events (e.g., Hajj in Saudi Arabia) or among close contacts of known cases.

Countries occasionally reporting outbreaks include Saudi Arabia (Hajj pilgrims), parts of India, and Southeast Asia (rare sporadic cases).

🌍 Travel Risks (South America)

Overall risk is low, but sporadic cases occur.

Brazil, particularly in the northern and central regions, has reported outbreaks in the past, though vaccination campaigns have reduced incidence.

Travellers to urban areas generally have low risk, but vaccination is sometimes advised for high-risk groups or those attending mass gatherings.

💉 Meningococcal Vaccination for Travel to Africa

Vaccine Type:

The quadrivalent meningococcal ACWY vaccine is recommended. Protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y, which are most commonly responsible for epidemics in Africa.

Brand examples in Australia: Menveo® or Nimenrix®.

Timing:

Single dose provides protection, ideally at least 2 weeks before travel.

Protection duration: ~3–5 years depending on age; adults may need a booster if last dose >5 years ago.

Note:

There is a separate meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero), but this is not usually required for travel to Africa, as B outbreaks are uncommon in the African meningitis belt.