An outbreak of meningococcal meningitis in Banalia territory, Tshopo Province, announced by the WHO on Sept 8 remains active and the latest update puts the current case count at 608 suspected cases (12 confirmed) and 161 deaths - 16 of 20 health areas in the Banalia health zone have reported at least one suspected case. Analysis of samples taken from several of the earliest confirmed cases detected Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W. The affected area, a mining zone along the Aruwimi River, is situated some 200kms NE of the provincial capital of Kisangani.
THE NUMBER of suspected measles cases reported to the end of July this year have passed the 33,000 mark, with 505 associated deaths. An ECDC summary of the situation notes that this represents an increase since the extensive outbreak of 2018-20.
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, extended contact with local people in crowded places and travel to sub-Saharan Africa’s ‘meningitis belt’ where meningitis outbreaks occur in the dry season (Dec-April) and just prior to the rainy season (May-June). 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.