Meningococcal meningitis in USA (Virginia State)

06 Sep 2023

A state wide outbreak of menincoccal disease has been reported in Virgina State according to press reports.

Twenty seven cases of  menincoccal disease have been reported. Twenty six of these cases were not vaccinated.

To date the districts of Alleghany, Hampton, Henrico, Norfolk, Peninsula, Pittsylvania/Danville, Portsmouth, Roanoke, Southside, Virginia Beach, and Western Tidewate have reported one of more cases.

Advice to travellers

The risk of becoming infected for most travellers is very low, particularly if you are travelling on a package holiday. The risk increases if you are to a region with an ongoing epidemic and you:

• plan having close, prolonged contact with the local population
• plan to visit overcrowded areas such as busy market places, or use public transport
• plan to attend a mass gathering event
• have a condition that affects your immune system

If you are travelling to an area affected by a meningitis outbreak, you should be aware of the risk of meningococcal disease, how it is transmitted, and try to:

• avoid overcrowded areas
• pay strict attention to your respiratory hygiene and hand hygiene measures 

See the fitfortravel Meningococcal Meningitis page for further information on the disease.