The World Health Organisation (WHO) launched its first-ever global guidelines for tackling meningitis on Thursday. While the disease mostly impacts the region of Sub-Saharan Africa, Belgium is not immune.
Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, which are thin membranes around the spinal cord and brain. Symptoms include headaches, fever, vomiting and neurological symptoms such as paralysis. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, and is transmitted between people by respiratory droplets or throat secretions.
Although viral meningitis usually does not need any treatment, bacterial meningitis typically requires antibiotics as it can have severe consequences and be fatal.
Despite successful efforts to control the disease, including vaccination programmes, meningitis remains a significant threat to public health, the WHO noted in a press release. In 2019, one in five people affected by meningitis had long-term health consequences, while for around 240,000 people, the disease was fatal, according to the WHO.
In Belgium, deaths from meningitis are not common. Nonetheless, just last year, nine of the 77 cases reported by the National Reference Centre for Meningococci were fatal.
In 2025, 15 cases were diagnosed in January while another ten were reported in February. Although the numbers are relatively high compared to the start of 2023 and 2024, they are comparable to pre-Covid levels, according to a spokesperson at Sciensano Health Institute.
The WHO guidelines aim to "close gaps" in the medical approaches to the disease. "There are many gaps in guidance and implementation of treatment and care of meningitis, such as delays in diagnosis and treatment, lack of consensus on empiric antibiotic treatment, adjunctive therapies and recognition and care of sequelae," a WHO spokesperson told The Brussels Times.
Related News
- Flemish student dies from suspected meningitis
- Make meningitis B vaccine available to all Belgium's children, paediatricians urge
- Belgian virologist shares 'catchiest songs' in campaign against measles
While the guidelines particularly target countries with reduced resources, they are applicable at a global level. "They aim to standardise clinical care across all settings and to clarify clinical management practices that often vary between different locations and contexts," the WHO spokesperson added.
It is not clear what direct impact the guidelines will have on Belgium. However, generally speaking, the WHO said it will facilitate the translation of its recommendations into practice and health policies by developing clinical tools and job aids.
Regardless, the WHO sees the launch of the global guidelines as a "milestone" in fighting the condition. "Implementing these new guidelines will help save lives, improve long-term care for those affected by meningitis, and strengthen health systems," said WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The Brussels Times contacted the Belgian Healthcare Knowledge Centre for comment on the national impact of the global guidelines but had not received a response at the time of publication.