Meningococcal vaccines: a neglected topic in travel medicine?
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.
Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, National University of Singapore, 117597 Singapore. epvws@pacific.net.sg
Annelies
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Wilder-Smith
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000401:Aircraft; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D057236:Travel Medicine; D055815:Young Adult
D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines