Meningococcal disease

The Disease Meningococcal disease is a severe, often fatal, bacterial infection. People can contract the disease if they inhale droplets that have been coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person. Direct contact with an infected person's throat secretions (e.g. through kissing, sharing drinks) can also spread the disease.

The bacterium invades the brain and its linings, causing meningitis, and can multiply in the blood (septicemia). A characteristic red, blotchy rash occurs all over the body in most serious cases. Symptoms include fever, intense headache, vomiting, and neck stiffness. These progresses to cause coma. It is essential that infected people receive antibiotics quickly, as the disease progresses rapidly and can cause permanent brain damage or death.

Typically, epidemics of meningococcal disease occur among people who live in close quarters. Vaccines against some strains of the disease are available. People who have been in close contact with an infected person should be promptly treated with preventive antibiotics.

All travellers to Uganda are advised to be vaccinated against meningitis with the quadrivalent vaccine (serogroups A, C, Y and W135), and maintain a high level of hygiene.

To avoid infection:

• · Avoid crowds. 
• · Wash your hands frequently whether you are sick or healthy. Encourage others to do so as well. 
• · Refrain from touching your own mouth, nose and eyes. 
• · Avoid close contact, such as kissing. 
• · Do not share drinks or food or eating utensils.