Meningitis is an inflammation characterized by the lining of the spinal cord and the brain and it may be caused by a bacteria, fungus, and virus amongst other pathogens. The spread of the disease is through close contact with an infected person such as sneezing, kissing, sharing drinking and eating utensils and coughing. It is possible to carry the bacteria and not be affected, but you can potentially spread it to other people who may then get affected.
Symptoms of meningitis include stiff neck, sudden high fever, vomiting, and headache, fast-spreading skin rash with purple and red spots. The symptoms of the diseases usually manifest between two and ten days after infection. Fatal cases of meningitis are about 10% of the total number of people affected, and this is normally experienced in children under the age of five and teens between the ages of fifteen and nineteen.
Meningitis and travelers
Meningitis is generally low risk for many travelers, though it remains a serious concern in certain countries around the world, and if it happens that you are travelling to any of these countries, then prudence suggests that you should get the meningitis shot if you have never received it or a booster shot to enhance your protection against the bacteria.
Meningitis is mainly found in countries which have now come to be known as the “Meningitis Belt.” The belt includes areas that are at high risk and extends along 26 countries in the sub-Saharan Africa. In these region, there are higher chances of getting infected with the bacteria between the months of December and June, and during this period, the affected countries usually roll out nationwide campaigns for the meningitis shot.
Check with your travel clinic if the country you are headed to is along the Meningitis Belt and get a booster shot, as well as additional information on how you can stay safe from the disease when you are out of the country.