A WHO Disease Outbreak News post this week covered ‘the country’s first time dealing with a pneumococcal meningitis outbreak’, that was declared in mid-February in Oti Sud district in the northern region of Savanes. The agency is assisting with the provision of antibiotics, but considers the risk level at a national level as high due to ‘the security crisis in the Sahel which causes population movements, and suboptimal surveillance capacity’. Read more
Advice for travellers
Pneumococcal meningitis is an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include a stiff neck, fever, headache, pain when looking into bright lights, and confusion. Meningitis is the most severe type of invasive pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal bacteria spread from person-to-person by direct contact with respiratory secretions, like saliva or mucus. Many people, especially children, have the bacteria in their nose or throat at one time or another without being ill. Infants and the elderly are at most risk of severe outcomes, including death. Read more
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.