WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MENINGITIS

What is Meningitis?

It is an inflammation of the protective membrane lining the brain and spinal cord caused most often by a viral or bacteria infection that crosses the body's blood - brain barrier.

There is a world-wide distribution of this infection, but massive epidemics occur periodically in the so called "meningitis belt" of tropical Africa (Northern Nigeria is part of this belt).

The disease tends to breakout in the dry season starting in December or January when a hot dry wind called Harmattan starts to blow spreading the virus reaching a peak at the end of the dry season and ends sharply at the onset of the rains.

It can be life-threatening because of the inflammation’s proximity to the brain and spinal cord, therefore it is classified as a medical emergency.

It has a high death rate if untreated and it can lead to serious long term consequences such as deafness and epilepsy especially if not treated quickly.

Transmission is by airborne droplets or by direct contact. It is a delicate organism, dying rapidly on cooling or drying and thus indirect transmission is not an important route.

What are the symptoms of meningitis?

·              Fever and chills

·              Headache

·              Stiff neck

·              Vomiting

·              Drowsiness

·              Eyes that are sensitive to light

·              Delirium and confusion (uncommon)

·              Seizures (rare)

·              Coma (rare)

If meningitis is suspected, treatment should be sought immediately.

Prevention

·      Overcrowding should be avoided

·      People should sleep in well ventilated rooms

·      Avoidance of close and prolonged contact with case/s of suspected meningitis

·      Strict observance of hand hygiene ie reduction of hand shaking, washing hands etc.

·      Vaccination with relevant sero-type of the meningococial vaccine.

Some forms of meningitis are preventable by immunization with meningococcal, mumps, pneumococcal and Hib vaccines given as part of childhood vaccine schemes.

Unfortunately, Nigeria does not have vaccine for the type of meningitis (Meningitis C) currently ravaging some parts of the country.

Giving antibiotes to people with significant exposure to certain types of meningitis may also be useful.