According to WHO, in week 09 and 10, 2026 (23 Feb to 8 March 2026): 18 out of 26 countries of the enhanced meningitis surveillance network shared their meningitis epidemiological data.
Epidemics (incidence ≥ 10/100’000 inhabitants):
- Central African Republic: Region 3
- Chad: Tanjile province (Guidari district)
- Niger: Niamey region (district Niamey 1)
Alerts (incidence ≥ 3 and <10/100’000 inhabitants):
- Burkina Faso: Sourou region
- Central African Republic: Region 3
- Chad: Tanjile province (Lai district)
- D.R. Congo: Kongo Central province, Sud-Ubangi province, Lomami province, Haut-Lomami province
- Ghana: North East region, Upper West region
- Niger: Niamey region (district Niamey 3), Agadez region (district of Bilma)
- Togo: Kara region
For previous epidemics and alerts, see news at www.healthytravel.ch.
Pathogens identified in 2026 (for updates, see LINK): S. pneumoniae 43%, N. meningitidis serogroup C 38.5%, N. meningitidis serogroup W 11%.
Vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menveo® or Menquadfi ®) is recommended as follows:
- During epidemics or alerts, vaccination is recommended for stays > 7 days or in the case of close contact with the local population.
If no alert or epidemic is reported, vaccination is recommended for travel to the ‘meningitis belt’ during the dry season (typically occurring from December to June) across sub-Saharan Africa if:
- Travelling for >30 days or
- For shorter stays, depending on the individual risk (e.g. close personal contacts, work in health care facilities, stay in heavily occupied accommodation, risk of epidemics).
In addition, ensure all patients with an indication for pneumococcal vaccination are vaccinated according to the Swiss vaccination plan.