Meningococcal vaccines: a neglected topic in travel medicine?

Abstract

Meningococcal disease is a devastating disease. Regular epidemics, particularly in the African meningitis belt and outbreaks during the Hajj pilgrimage, have caused significant morbidity and mortality. Although meningococcal vaccination is recommended for travelers to these destinations, disease awareness among travelers is generally poor. Case-fatality rates of meningococcal disease are high (10-14%) and the disease can be fatal within 24 h, even when the best healthcare is available. This is particularly relevant to travelers, as gaining timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment is often difficult in foreign countries or remote regions. Given the unpredictable epidemiology of the disease, broad meningococcal vaccination for all ages should be considered for travelers. Conjugate meningococcal vaccines have significant advantages over polysaccharide vaccines, and should be the preferred option for travelers.