Reports of meningococcal meningitis outbreaks in Anhui and Jiangsu Provinces are being checked by the Centre for Health Protection with Mainland authorities. If confirmed, the Department of Health will inform the travel industry and issue health advisories.

The most common presentation of meningococcal infection is meningitis. The disease is characterised by sudden fever, intense headache, nausea and vomiting, a stiff neck and shock and even death in severe cases.

It is transmitted by direct contact with infected patients. The same bacterium can also cause meningococcaemia if it enters the bloodstream. Early cases can be treated effectively with antibiotics. The incubation period varies from two to 10 days, but is commonly three to four days.

In Hong Kong, there were four sporadic cases last year and one local case so far this year.

The centre reminds travellers to observe good personal hygiene by washing hands frequently, and covering the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing.

More information is available on the department's Travel Health Service website.