Meningitis

Meningitis (Meningococcal Meningitis) is a serious, potentially fatal, bacterial infection that causes swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, and blood poisoning. It can result in permanent disability and death, particularly if blood poisoning occurs.

High-Risk areas

High-risk areas for Meningococcal Meningitis include parts of Africa and Saudi Arabia

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms can appear suddenly and include severe headache, fever, cold hands and feet, vomiting, muscle, and joint pain, stiffness of the neck, sensitivity to bright light, sleepiness, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Babies, children, and adolescents are particularly at risk. Symptoms may be hard to identify in babies and young children, who may exhibit the following signs: refusing feeds, unusual crying or moaning, irritability, listlessness, unresponsiveness, jerky movements, or becoming stiff or floppy and very rapid breathing.

Blood poisoning caused by Meningitis can cause a red, purplish rash that does not fade when pressure is applied.

Prevention/Vaccine

Meningitis is a medical emergency requiring urgent hospital treatment, as blood poisoning can develop rapidly. Treatment includes intravenous antibiotics. It is always preferable to take measures to prevent the disease rather than treat it after the fact.

Travellers to areas of risk may be recommended a single dose of Menveo to vaccinate against Meningitis ACWY.

All travellers who are vaccinated against Meningitis ACWY will also receive a certificate. All Hajj and Umrah pilgrims are required to show certification of vaccination on arrival in Saudi Arabia.