Questions on Meningitis in Vietnam
March 5th, 2012We have had several phone calls asking about meningitis risk in travellers to Vietnam.
There have been a few news reports about meningitis in children, and young adults.
The baseline rate of meningococcal disease in the human population is about 1 per 100,000 population, so there will always be a few cases – the disease even occurs in Australia. The risk is never zero. Thankfully most persons who are exposed to the germ do not get sick. The bacteria is most dangerous in those under 5 and a concern up to about age 21. We are monitoring the situation. There is a vaccine.
However, vaccination against Meningococcal disease is NOT currently routinely recommended for travellers to the usual tourist areas of Vietnam.
As usual, it pays to get good advice to safeguard your health before heading overseas.
