According to WHO, in week 23, 2026 (1st June to 7th June): 17 out of 26 countries of the enhanced meningitis surveillance network shared their meningitis epidemiological data.
Epidemics (incidence ≥ 10/100’000 inhabitants):
- D.R. Congo: Tshopo, Equateur, Bas-Uele, and Sud-Ubangi
- Ethiopia: Oromia, Sidama, and SNNP
- Niger: Agadez
Alerts (incidence ≥ 3 and <10/100’000 inhabitants):
- Benin: Atacora, Borgou, and Zou region
- Central African Rep.: Region 6 and 7
- D.R. Congo: Nord-Ubangi, Tshopo, Tshuapa, Sud-Kivu, Equateur, Maniema, Sankuru, Nord-Kivu, Ituri, Kwilu, Sub-Ubangi, and Kongo central
- Ethiopia: SNNPR, Oromia, Somali, Sidama, SNNP, Amhara, and Addis Ababa
- Ghana: Upper West
- Guinea: Conakry
- Mali: Bamako
- Niger: Agadez and Niamey
- Senegal: Dakar
- Tchad: Ouaddai
For previous epidemics and alerts, see news at www.healthytravel.ch.
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 occuring 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.
- Travelling for >30 days or
WHO meningitis bulletin, week 23, 2026 | Meningitis Dashboard