According to WHO, between 24 February and 9 March 2025 (week 09 and 10), 19/25 countries shared their meningitis epidemiological data. For previous epidemics and alerts, see news at www.healthytravel.ch.
Epidemics:
- Nigeria: Kebbi State, Sokoto State
- D.R. Congo: Tshiopo province,
Alert:
- Burkina Faso: Sud-Ouest region, Haute-Bassins region
- Central Africa Republic: Region 3.
- D.R. Congo: Base-Uele province, Ituri province, Haute - Lomami province, Maindombe province,
- Ghana: Upper West region*
- Mali: Bamako region Gao region
Pathogens identified in 2025 (for updates, see LINK).
Vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menveo® or Menquadfi ®) is recommended:
- 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.
WHO meningitis bulletin, week 9 and 10, 2025 | Meningitis Dashboard, accessed 22.3.2025 | Via ProMED, 15.3.2025