Here’s what the FMOH wants you to know
How to prevent meningitis • Avoidance of overcrowding • Sleep in well ventilated places • Avoidance of close and prolonged contact with a case/s • Proper disposal of respiratory and throat secretions • Strict observance of hand hygiene and sneezing into Elbow joint/sleeves • Reduce hand shaking, kissing, sharing utensils or medical interventions such as […]
How to prevent meningitis
• Avoidance of overcrowding
• Sleep in well ventilated places
• Avoidance of close and prolonged contact with a case/s
• Proper disposal of respiratory and throat secretions
• Strict observance of hand hygiene and sneezing into Elbow joint/sleeves
• Reduce hand shaking, kissing, sharing utensils or medical interventions such as mouth resuscitation
• Vaccination with relevant sero-type of the meningococcal vaccine
• Self-medication should be avoided
Early Diagnosis, Treatment and Isolation:
• Very important that all individuals should acquaint themselves with at least the basic knowledge/understanding of CSM and how it is transmitted and prevented
• Strictly adhere to the advice of Health workers on how to protect oneself as enumerated above
• Prompt seeking for medical/health care as soon as CSM or CSM-Like Illness is suspected
• All Hospitals to ensure that appropriate Diagnoses are made including laboratory confirmation and immediate reporting through the surveillance system
• Commence early treatment as soon as the diagnoses of CSM is made
• Restrict mingling with other people once one is diagnosed as a case of CSM
• All secondary and tertiary public health facilities should provide free treatment to all CSM Patients
Symptoms
The most common symptoms are a stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, headaches and vomiting.
Even when the disease is diagnosed early and adequate treatment is started, 5% to 10% of patients die, typically within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.
Bacterial meningitis may result in brain damage, hearing loss or a learning disability in 10% to 20% of survivors.
A less common but even more severe (often fatal) form of meningococcal disease is meningococcal septicaemia, which is characterized by a haemorrhagic rash and rapid circulatory collapse.
Courtesy WHO.