MENINGITIS AND ITS DEADLY WRATH!!!!!
17:42
Meningitis is a viral or bacterial
infection of the protective layers of the brain and spinal cord(meninges). It
is a serious health issue, if not well attended to, may result in permanent
brain damages
Currently in Nigeria, is the
outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis, CSM. Though there have been previous
outbreaks of Meningitis epidemic in Nigeria. This recent outbreak is caused by
Neisseria Meningitides. One of the worst occurred in 1996 when 109,580 cases
and 11,717 deaths were recorded.
In 2003, there were 4,130 cases and
401 deaths; 9,086 cases and 562 deaths recorded in 2009.
Presently, there are about 2,997 infections with 336 deaths recorded in 90 Local Government Areas in
16 states.
Affected states include Zamfara,
Kastina, Sokoto, Nassarawa, Niger, Kebbi, Jigawa, FCT, Gombe, Taraba. Other
states with minimal occurrence includes, Kano, Osun, Cross Rivers, Plateau and
Lagos.
In states like Zamafara, new cases
are registered as the hours go by, and death toll on the increase.
RISK FACTORS…
Meningitis can affect everyone,
irrespective of sex or cadre. But is commonly seen in babies, young children,
teenagers, young adults and anyone who has not completed the recommended
childhood or adult vaccination schedule.
Babies are at a greater risk
compared to people in other age groups.
Microbiologists and other persons
working with meningitis causing pathogens are at risk too.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS….
There exist various signs and
symptoms, they include;
- v Fever with a high temperature (38 degree Celsius and above)
- v Headache that is severe and persistent.
- v Photophobia i.e. your eyes hurt when exposed to bright light.
- v Seizures/Convulsions
- v Neck stiffness and pain
- v Lethargic-Fatigue
- v Rashes appearing more on the abdomen and extremities (legs and hands). The rashes appear red when pressed with a finger.
- v Nausea and Vomiting.
MODE OF CONTACT…….
Meningitis is usually contacted
from people who carry the viruses and bacterial in the nose or throat. It is
important to know that, some persons may carry these bacteria on their body
without looking sick. This deadly infection is mostly transmitted through:
- v Sneezing
- v Coughing
- v Poor personal hygiene
- v Sharing of personal belongings
DIAGNOSIS…..
Meningitis can be diagnosed based
on a medical history, physical examinations, laboratory investigations, X-rays
and scans.
PREVENTION…..
- v Education is the first step to prevention. Children should be taught the causes, symptoms, and risk factors, this can help them avoid the infection.
- v Vaccinations with relevant sero-type of the meningococcal vaccine and avoidance of self-medication
- v Other preventions include: strict observance of hand hygiene and sneezing into elbow joint/sleeve, reduction in hand shaking, kissing, sharing of utensils or medical interventions such as mouth resuscitation.
- v Proper ventilation and avoid overcrowding.
- v Environmental sanitation.
COMPLICATIONS…..
- v Loss of hearing
- v Seizure
- v Visual loss
- v Permanent brain damage
- v Could also lead to death.
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