A local news source claims 30 people in the largest city of Almaty have been diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis infections – no mention of the serogroups is provided however. Medical advice includes ‘restrict visiting any mass cultural events being held in closed area, sports events and pools’. The national case count for the year to date is 62 from Almaty region, Astana as well as Eastern and southern regions of the country. Read more
Advice for travellers
Meningococcal meningitis is an acute bacterial disease transmitted from person-to-person through close (kissing, sharing eating utensils) or extended contact. Risk factors include extensive travel in crowded conditions or extended contact with local people in crowded places. If planning to travel to any region experiencing an outbreak, discuss whether vaccination against meningococcal meningitis would be appropriate for your itinerary with your travel doctor. Read more about Men. meningitis.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.