Travel Clinic London – Travel Alert, Uganda 21 February 2014

There are reports of a Meningitis outbreak in Uganda, East Africa with around 50 cases so far detected. The outbreak is mainly centred around the northern area of the country close to the boarder of South Sudan.

What is Meningitis

Meningitis is a very serious viral disease which is spread through the air such as coughing, sneezing and other forms of human to human contact. It causes inflammation of the brain and can be fatal in severe cases. It is commonly transmitted in crowded areas such as mass gatherings, markets and public transportation.

Meningitis in Uganda

Uganda is in an area of sub-Saharan Africa which is prone to outbreaks of this disease, an area know as the meningitis belt. Epidemics are common and can be caused by a range of factors including seasonal influences, movement of people and vaccination uptake.

Avoiding Meningitis

Travellers to Uganda may consider vaccination against this deadly disease. Vaccination against four strains of meningitis (A, C, W and Y) is given as a single dose.  The vaccination is available from the age of one and is required in addition to the meningitis c vaccination that is provided within the UK childhood immunisation schedule. For further information about this outbreak and other travel health requirements for travel to Uganda and East Africa, get in touch with one of our Travel Clinics in London.