MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS

DEFINITION: meningitis is a bacterial disease caused by bacterium Neisseria meningitides (meningococcus). It is an infection of the brain and spinal cord. The disease is divided into several types. Types A, B, C, Y and W135 cause most cases of meningococcal meningitis. More recently types Y and W135 are gaining importance.

The disease occurs globally, but in sub- Saharan Africa meningitis epidemics occur every two to three years. Since the 1980s the intervals between major epidemics have become shorter and more irregular. The disease is most common in young children, but it can also be found in children and young adults living in crowded conditions such as institutions or barracks.

HOW MENINGITIS IS SPREAD

Transmission of bacteria is from person to person through airborne droplets from the nose and throat of infected people.

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS OF MENINGITIS

Meningococcal meningitis is marked by the sudden onset of intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and stiff neck. Other sign include lethargy, delirium, coma and convulsions. The appearance of a rash composed of small spots of bleeding into the skin is an important sign. Infants may have illness without a sudden onset and stiff neck. They may only appear to be slow or inactive, to be irritable, to vomit or to be feeding poorly.

COMPLICATION OF MENINGITIS

In children, if meningitis is not treated, mortality is 50%; with early treatment mortality is reduced between 5% - 10%. Even with treatment early in the disease, between 5% and 10% of children who are infected die. About 10%-15% of those surviving meningococcal meningitis will suffer from complication including mental disorders, deafness, palsies and seizures. A less common but more severe and often fatal form of meningococcal disease is meningococcal septiceamia, which is characterized by rapid circulatory collapse and haemorrhagic rash.

TREATMENT OF MENINGITIS

Because meningitis disease is often fatal, each case should always be considered a medical emergency and should be referred to a hospital. Several types of antibiotic are effective.

PREVENTION OF MENINGITIS

Vaccines are available to protect against types A, C, Y, and W135.

Epidemic control relies on good surveillance with early detection and treatment. A mass immunization campaign that reaches at least 80% of the entire population with types A and C vaccine can prevent an epidemic. These vaccines are not effective in young children and infants and only provide protection for a limited time, especially in children than two years old.