CATASTROPHIC OUTBREAK OF MENINGITIS IN NIGERIA: 438 PEOPLE DEAD AS AT TODAY (08/04/2017).

ATRTICLE CONTENT WRITTEN BY ME, MARY ONAH. 

WHAT IS MENINGITIS?  Meningitis is  the inflammation (swelling) of  lining of the brain and spinal cord. It is an infectious disease. 

CAUSE OF MENINGITIS:  Meningitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses.  

TYPES OF MENINGITIS:  Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial disease caused by Neisseria meningitides (N.m) comprising of 13 subtypes. Neisseria meningitides A, B,C and W are reported to be the main causes of epidemics. The recent outbreak of N.m in Nigeria, which is said to be the worst in a decade is caused by serogroup or subtype C, N.m C. This subtype of meningitis is very dangerous, life threatening and can kill within 4 hours of its manifestation in the patient.  

EPIDEMIOLOGY:  Meningococcal meningitis cases occur worldwide. However, large, recurring epidemics affect a region of 26 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa known as the ‘meningitis belt’ In Nigeria, in the recent weeks there has been a massive outbreak of N.m C that has affected 16 states mainly in Northern Nigeria with a few cases in Osun, Cross-river and Lagos States.   

  SOME SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS It is important to state that many of the signs and symptoms of N.m C mimic other infectious diseases like Malaria. The common symptoms of Meningitis C are   

   1. Irritability  

2. Drowsiness  

3. Seizures 

4. Abnormal position 

5. Asymmetry reflexes 

6. Stiff neck  

7. Cold hands and feet 

8. Rashes 

9. Sensitivity to light (photophobia) 

10.  Confusion 

11. High fever  

12. Headaches 

13. Vomiting 

14. Pale blotchy skin      

    PREVENTION OF MENINGITIS INFECTION   

1. As with all other infectious diseases, we must all cultivate the habit of good hygiene practice. Washing hands very frequently in a day with soap and water. 

 2. Avoid kissing, coughing and spitting out the phlegm on the streets. Sneeze into a handkerchief and not into the air. Mothers, please do not let people kiss your babies and children. The children may get infected through this close contact. 

 3. Do not share lipstick, food, drinks,

 4. Refuse to use plates, cups and cutlery set that have not been washed with soap and water. 

 5. Go to the nearest health center /facility and get vaccinated 

 6. Look out for your neighbor who has any of the symptoms of meningitis and rush to the nearest clinic/hospital within an hour/2 hours. Go to the nearest health center /facility and get vaccinated  

7. Look out for your neighbor who has any of the symptoms of meningitis and rush to the nearest clinic/hospital within an hour/2 hours. You would save a life by so doing.           

       REFERENCES 

1. Available from http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/254901/1/WER9213.pdf?ua=1 

2. Available from http://nigeriahealthwatch.com/meningitis-in-nigeria-whats-going-on/ 

3. Available from https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/index.html 

4. Available from  http://www.premiumtimesng.com/health/health-news/228248-nigeria-meningitis-outbreak-death-toll-rises-438-mass-immunisation-commences-zamfara.html