General Information

Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. The swelling is usually caused by an infection of the cerebrospinal fluid. The germs that can lead to meningitis are contagious, which means they can be passed easily from one person to another.

Meningitis usually occurs due to bacterias or viruses. Common meningitis in travelers is due to bacteria and can give serious complications.

The common symptoms of bacterial meningitis are vomiting, headache, high fever and nausea later leading to neck stiffness.

Prevention

Who Should get vaccinated?

The high-risk groups include closed populations living with cases in college dormitories, long-term care institutions, nursery schools, or military barracks, and close social contacts who are directly exposed to a case’s oral secretions, for example by kissing, sharing eating utensils, or toothbrushes, in the week prior to the onset of illness in the primary case. Frequent travellers also should consider meningitis vaccines.