Meningococcal disease case fatality rates have been as high as 50% in endemic countries although now they hover between 10%-15%. Regardless, serious permanent side effects like deafness, mental retardation and amputation of limbs occur in 11%-19% of survivors. Risk factors for Meningitis include age, low socioeconomic status and crowded living conditions. An outbreak of group W-135 Meningococcal disease occurred in the year 2000 associated with the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and caused the Saudi Arabian government to mandate that all travelers receive the Meningitis vaccine prior to pilgrimages to Mecca.
Meningitis is recurrent throughout the sub-Saharan “Meningitis belt” which extends from Senegal to Ethiopia. Travelers visiting the region during the dry season are advised to receive the Meningitis vaccine especially if prolonged contact with the local population is likely. Transmission occurs by air droplet, kissing, sharing of items, utensils that may have been infected and nasal secretions.
Source: CDC Vaccine Information Statement (VIS): Meningococcal Vaccine 1/28/08
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