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Meningitis. Some information to stay safe.

( adapted from http://www. path.org/menafrivac/meningitis-belt.php)
(Population as at 2009)


 Meningitis shouldn't come near you if you take some precautions. 

It's all been in the news lately about an outbreak of this disease in some Northern states in Nigeria.
Should you be worried if you live in those states in Nigeria or you're travelling to Nigeria soon?

 Remember that good knowledge is power.

 So what is Meningitis? It is an inflammation of the covering of the brain (meninges).

 What causes meningitis? It could be caused by a bacteria (most common), virus, fungus, etc

How is it transmitted? usually the same way catarrh is transmitted. through respiratory droplets from one person to another.

Is meningitis preventable? Yes, it is.

 How can you prevent meningitis? Specific things to do are: Get vaccinated. If your risk exposure is high and you're close to an infected person, speak with your doctor who may give you some prophylactic drug. Non-specific measures are: Avoid overcrowding, stay always in a well-ventilated area, eat well and don't stay too close or kiss an infected person.

What are the signs and symptoms of meningitis? High-grade fever, headache, fear/avoidance of light, neck stiffness, lack of coordination, lack of orientation)

Is it treatable? Yes, but full recovery is dependent on early commencement of treatment with the right medications.

Can it kill? Yes if not picked and treated early. It has a very high killing power and can leave an infected person paralysed for life even after recovery.

Advice for travellers? Get vaccinated on time. (ensure that the vaccine also covers type c  disease- your provider would understand that)

When will this present epidemic likely be over?  It will be over when we get all persons living in or close to the affected region vaccinated.


Advice for health workers? Get vaccinated, get some prophylaxis on a doctor's advice and report early if you notice any symptom. Do not self-medicate. Not all fever and headache is malaria,


The implication of an epidemic for national development are the following: The reduction of manpower, increasing poverty in families that have lost a breadwinner, increase in the number of orphans and vulnerable children, increased burden on health system etc.
We expect a coordinated response from the Ministry of health, NEMA, CDC, WHO. They should rise up to the task and act fast to stop this epidemic. Epidemic preparedness should be activated in all countries in the epidemic belt so as to respond better in the case of a spread. We expect this present epidemic to die out very soon.

Please feel free to ask your questions, they will be answered.
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