Invasive meningococcal disease: Travel health advice
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Risk to travellers
Invasive meningococcal disease occurs worldwide at different times of year.
- In temperate zones (regions that have 4 seasons), most outbreaks occur during the winter months.
- In tropical areas (regions that have wet and dry seasons), large outbreaks occur during the dry season.
- In sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia, most outbreaks occur from November to June.
The risk of the disease for most travellers is low. You may be at higher risk of exposure in areas where the spread of the bacteria or the disease is more common, such as:
- across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia (also called the 'African Meningitis Belt')
- areas where outbreaks are happening
The Saudia Arabian government also has specific meningococcal vaccination requirements for visitors travelling to the country for the purposes of:
- Hajj
- Umrah
- seasonal work in Hajj zones
Check the health section of your destination's travel advice and advisories page for more information on meningitis risk. This includes information on where outbreaks are happening. Destinations with a higher risk of meningococcal disease include information on pre-travel vaccines and medication.
Travel advice and advisories by destination
Recommendations
Talk to a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.
Before you travel
Get vaccinated, especially if you're:
- visiting countries where outbreaks are occurring
- at higher risk due to underlying medical conditions or exposure
During your travel
Keep your hands clean by:
- washing your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or
- using a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
This helps reduce the spread of infectious diseases by removing or killing germs on your hands.
If your hands are visibly dirty, wash them with soap and water instead of using hand sanitizer. Always keep hand sanitizer with you when you travel.
Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick. Contact a health care provider if you:
- show symptoms while travelling
- have been exposed to someone with invasive meningococcal disease
You may need to take medication to prevent becoming ill if you're exposed. Early treatment is more effective if you become ill.
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