Neisseria meningitidis is the bacterium that can cause meningococcal meningitis. And it can lead to disease outbreaks occurring at different times and places around the world.

Travelers may be at increased risk of catching meningococcal meningitis. This can occur when they visit areas that commonly experience epidemics of meningococcal disease. And the presence of the bacteria that causes meningococcal meningitis varies worldwide. However, when traveling to areas where meningococcal disease is common, you can increase the risk of becoming a carrier. And that means you can unknowingly infect other people, including those in your own home, upon your return. Click here to find out which vaccine you may need when traveling.

Knowledge is power, so before packing your bags find out what you need to know. With a click, you can learn about recent outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis and other diseases occurring in different parts of the world. Visit the World Health Organization (WHO) Disease Outbreak News page or Great Britain's National Travel Health Network and Centre to find out more.