MENINGITIS AND THE WAY FOWARD

 
Did you know that meningitis has robbed and it is still robbing many people of their lives in Nigeria?

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT MENINGITIS.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membrane covering the brain and spinal cord following infection of the fluid surrounding them. Meningitis is usual caused by bacteria, virus, fungal, parasite and non-infectious causes. 

Meningococcal meningitis is a serious form of meningitis with the Group A strain accounting for an estimated 80–85% of all cases of meningitis in the meningitis belt (26 African countries with Nigeria inclusive) before the 2010 mass campaign and vaccination. Since then, the proportion of the A strain has declined dramatically. The current epidemiologic outbreak is the C strain.

Sometimes in 1996, the worst occurred when 109,580 cases and 11,717 deaths were recorded. In 2003, there were 4,130 cases and 401 deaths; in 2008, 9,086 cases and 562 deaths, and as at Friday, 31^st March 2017, 2,524 people were infected, while 328 deaths were recorded in 90 Local Government Areas in 16 States of the Federation, which include: FCT, Nassarawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Osun, Cross Rivers, Lagos, Niger, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe, Taraba and Gombe. 

Considering the number of causalities and deaths, how then is this life threatening disease contacted and prevented? Why does it trouble so much and kill so fast? You may be pondering. Here is the answer!

HOW DO I CONTACT MENINGITIS?

Generally, the germs that cause meningitis spread when droplets from the airways or throat secretions of a carrier comes in contact with another person during close (for example, coughing or kissing) or prolonged contact.

HOW DO I KNOW OR SUSPECT MENINGITIS INFECTION?

The major symptoms of meningitis include: -

· Headache;

· Fever;

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

· Neck Stiffness. Difficulty in moving the Neck. Moving the neck causes severe pains;

·Exposure. Previous contact with someone who was diagnosed with meningitis.

Other symptoms are Altered level of consciousness, Seizures, Coma, Lethargy, Irritability, Nausea, Vomiting, Decreased appetite, Sleepiness.

HOW CAN I PREVENT MENINGITIS?

The most effective form of prevention is VACCINATION with the appropriate MENINGOCOCCAL Vaccine. Since this current infection is a different strain, People who have been previously vaccinated and are in the susceptible group may require to be revaccinated. Highlights of other preventive measures as individuals include: -

1. Avoid overcrowding;
2. Sleep in well ventilated places; 
3. Avoid close and prolonged contact with people suspected, or confirmed to be infected;
4. Strict observance of hand hygiene and sneezing into Elbow joint/sleeves, reduction of hand shaking, kissing, sharing utensils or medical interventions such as mouth resuscitation;
5. Avoid sharing personal items with people suspected, or confirmed to be infected;

·        

     The mainstay of management is timely evaluation and treatment with intravenous antibiotics. If you suspect that you have, or any loved one has had prolonged contact with anybody who is strongly suspected to have MENINGITIS, please go to the nearest health facility for further evaluation , report appropriately and avoid touching or been touched unnecessarily.  

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.

THE WAY FORWARD

Never consider yourself experienced or knowledgeable enough to engage in SELF-MEDICATION. Always seek medical attention regardless of how little your illness may be – the least mistake can cause the greatest consequence. Engage the services of a primary or standby medical team/personnel; someone who takes your health with utmost concerns, follows up on your constant checkups and someone you can call on at anytime and anywhere.

If you experience the above symptoms or any related symptoms, immediate medical attention is necessary. Bacterial meningitis can be deadly. There is no way to know except if properly evaluated by your doctor.

AT QUICK MEDICS, PREVENTIVE MEDICINE IS THE CORE OF OUR SERVICES. WE PROVIDE VACCINES TO YOU AT HOME AND CONVENIENCE. YOUR HEALTH IS OF OUR GREATEST CONCERN.

WE OFFER 24HRS VIRTUAL/PHYSICAL CONSULTATION AT AFFORDABLE RATE.

You can visit our website: www.quickmedics.com.ng OR contact us on: 08186086785, 08059294481