Meningococcal Meningitis in Nigeria (Update)

22 Apr 2015

The outbreak of meningococcal meningitis in Nigeria is ongoing. Cases were first reported from Kebbi state in January 2015. As of 5 April 2015, a total of 1380 cases including 83 deaths have been reported by the Ministry of Health to WHO. Cases have been identified in the states of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara in the northwest of the country. Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C is the type identified from the confirmed cases in this outbreak.

A national task force has been activated to manage the outbreak with support from WHO and partners.

Advice for Travellers

In Nigeria, the meningococcal season generally runs from Dec-Jun. Immunisation is available for those considered to be at risk:

• Travellers who are likely to have close, prolonged contact with the local population.
• Long stay travellers.
• Those visiting friends and relatives.
• Those who will be exposed to crowded areas (e.g. stadia, schools, hospitals).
• Travellers visiting an area affected by an ongoing outbreak or epidemic.