Kiwis are being advised to stay vigilant for meningococcal symptoms following a rise in cases and a death in Wellington. There has been a reported 88 percent increase in meningococcal cases among teenagers and young adults in New Zealand over the past year with the surge prompting increased demands for making vaccines free and more accessible. 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, extended contact with local people in crowded places and travel to North 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 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.