In just three weeks, Meningitis has killed over 324 Nigerians…here’s how to prevent it

The current Meningitis outbreak is ravaging unabated; it has killed 324 people under three weeks and a new mortality has been recorded in Cross River State. The current outbreak is caused by Type C strain, which is rare. Past vaccination against Meningitis will NOT guarantee protection against this strain as the vaccines commonly available in Nigeria are against the type B strain.

What do you know about MENINGITIS: its Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment?

WHAT IS MENINGITIS?

Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. This inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses. Symptoms can come on very quickly or gradually over a few days. It can kill within 24 hours so be very observant.

MAJOR SYMPTOMS

1. Headache

2. Fever

3. A very strong aversion for light. The person always looks away from bright light and prefers dark rooms.

4. Neck stiffness and pain that makes it difficult to touch your chin to your chest as such moving the neck causes severe pains.

5. Others include: Seizures, Sleepiness, and sluggishness, Nausea and vomiting, Decreased appetite, Confusion and disorientation (acting goofy), Skin rash, as well as Irritability.

Note

Previous contact with someone who was diagnosed with meningitis increases the chances of getting infected

Anybody who has most, or all of the above symptoms, and currently lives, or recently lived in the areas currently affected by meningitis, should be isolated until treatment is complete.

Especially as we approach festive period when most travel from different part of the country in particular from states in the Northern Nigeria and other African countries in the Meningitis Belt

Who is most at Risk?

People with low immunity e.g. people with HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy etc

People sleeping in crowded spaces including children in boarding schools, prisons, etc

Pregnant women

Children under five years and the elderly

How is Meningitis Spread?

Spread through close personal contact such as coughing, sneezing, and kissing

Contact with throat secretions from an infected person (for example, phlegm or saliva).

Sharing personal belongings.

Poor personal hygiene.

PREVENTION

It should be noted, that the most effective form of prevention is VACCINATION with the MENINGOCOCCAL Vaccine type C. Since this vaccine is currently lacking, Let’s highlight other measures.

1. Avoid prolonged personal contact with people suspected, or confirmed to be infected as well as their body secretions..

2. Avoid sharing personal items with people suspected, or confirmed to be infected.

3. Get vaccinated if available; Vaccines which can help protect against Meningitis are: Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Meningococcal vaccine

4. Get adequate rest

5. Avoid smoking

6. If you have been in contact with a sick person in an affected area, visit your doctor to give you preventive antibiotics to reduce chances of contacting the disease and also carry out further evaluations.Â

7. If you come down with any of the symptoms above, go to the hospital IMMEDIATELY and avoid people touching you unnecessarily.

TREATMENT

Once meningitis is strongly suspected or confirmed, PLEASE DO NOT STAY AT HOME.
Go to a hospital with facilities where you can get an IV line, isolation room, and the required antibiotics for treatment.

Once you have all or most of the above symptoms, you have no business being at home.