Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135 in a traveler visiting Japan from Argentina, 2019

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) can occur in travelers returning from mass-gathering events or endemic regions. We present a 60-year-old Argentine traveler to Tokyo who developed IMD by Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup W135 during her stay in Japan. N. meningitidis serogroup W135 infection has become common in Argentina, whereas IMD less commonly occurs in Japan. Considering the prevalence, the patient most likely acquired the infection in Argentina, and it developed in Japan. Air travel enables passengers to reach the four corners of the world within a few days. IMD should be considered in travelers due to its potential to induce rapid clinical deterioration and transmission.