The Ministry of Health and Population announced on Monday that Egypt has no meningitis outbreaks. Current cases are isolated and within expected annual levels. The country is preparing to receive official certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its achievements in controlling the disease.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
The ministry noted recent outbreaks abroad in 2026: 24 cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo in February, with nine deaths, and 22 cases in England in March, with two deaths.
Egypt continues to implement a comprehensive strategy. This includes strong surveillance, rapid response, wide vaccination programs, and scientific studies. More than 5.5 million doses of the meningitis A+C vaccine are provided annually to schoolchildren, along with 200,000 doses of the ACWY vaccine for travelers and pilgrims. Coverage rates exceed 95 percent nationwide.
Egypt has not recorded any bacterial meningitis outbreaks since 1989. Infection rates fell to 0.03 cases per 100,000 people in 2025. No epidemic strains have been detected since 2016.
