Protecting your child from "Meningococcal Meningitis"
Meningococcal meningitis progresses rapidly, causing death in children within 24 hours if not treated promptly. About 50% - 70% of children hospitalized with meningococcal meningitis are at risk of death. If fortunate enough to survive, about 20% of children suffer from complications such as brain damage, delayed psychomotor development, acute kidney failure, liver damage, limb defects, etc.
4/1/2024 2:12:25 PM
What is Meningococcal Meningitis?
Meningococcal meningitis, also known as meningococcal disease, is a serious illness that threatens life. It is an inflammation of the meninges and brain tissue, usually caused by bacteria such as Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenzae type b, although it can also be caused by viruses.
When infected, the body's immune system responds by creating an inflammatory reaction, damaging brain tissue. This disease can affect most aspects of brain function, from learning and communication to physical functions.
Meningococcal meningitis is a rapidly progressive disease. Children with meningococcal meningitis can die within the first 24 hours of hospitalization if not treated promptly.
Groups at risk of meningococcal meningitis
Meningococcal meningitis can occur in anyone, at any age. However, some groups are particularly susceptible to meningococcal meningitis:
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Infants under 1 year old;
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Adolescents and young adults;
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People living in crowded environments such as dormitories or military camps;
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Those suffering from prolonged malnutrition due to abnormal digestive function or reduced intestinal absorption;
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Travelers to endemic areas such as Africa;
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Laboratory personnel exposed to meningococcal bacteria;
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Those who may come into contact with meningococcal bacteria in outbreak settings.
Symptoms of the disease
Meningococcal meningitis is an acute bacterial infection that often occurs suddenly. Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis can be diverse and depend on the underlying cause of the disease, but typically include high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, and changes in mood. Complications of the disease can be severe, including meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and hemiplegia. If not detected and treated promptly, the disease can progress rapidly and lead to death in patients.
Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis can vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the disease. Common symptoms include:
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High fever: One of the first symptoms of the disease. Fever can be high and prolonged.
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Headache: Headaches can be a common symptom, often appearing severe and not relieved by pain relievers.
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Nausea and vomiting: Often accompanied by feelings of fatigue and not relieved after vomiting.
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Seizures: Abnormal neurological reactions that may occur due to brain damage.
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Mood changes: Children may become irritable, easily angered, or experience sudden changes in their mood.
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Brain swelling: This sign often accompanies localized headaches and may cause issues related to light or sound sensitivity.
There are cases of meningococcal infection with only fever and/or sore throat or even no clinical symptoms.
How dangerous are the complications of the disease?
Meningococcal meningitis can cause serious complications, including:
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Meningitis: One of the most common complications of the disease. Brain inflammation can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and seizures.
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Meningoencephalitis: Inflammation of the brain and meninges can lead to problems with regulating bodily functions and cause symptoms such as self-opposition and decreased sensation.
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Hemiplegia: Another serious complication of the disease. Damage to a part of the brain can lead to muscle function loss and muscle control in a part of the body, resulting in hemiplegia.
Meningococcal meningitis progresses rapidly, causing death in children within 24 hours if not treated promptly. About 50% - 70% of children hospitalized with meningococcal meningitis are at risk of death. If fortunate enough to survive, about 20% of children suffer from complications such as brain damage, delayed psychomotor development, acute kidney failure, liver damage, limb defects, etc.
Prevention of meningococcal meningitis
Meningococcal meningitis is considered a dangerous disease, with the highest mortality rate for young children and prolonged sequelae, so prevention is very important. The use of vaccines to prevent the disease is the most effective measure to prevent its spread. Currently, there are many types of vaccines available to prevent meningococcal meningitis, including vaccines against common bacteria such as type B, C, and W.
In addition, maintaining personal and environmental hygiene, as well as avoiding contact with infected individuals, also plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of bacteria or viruses causing the disease. Residences, schools, and classrooms should be well-ventilated and well-lit. In areas with outbreaks, monitoring should be increased to detect early cases of fever and sore throat to serve monitoring purposes. If conditions permit, throat swabs of patients and nearby people should be taken for testing for meningococcal bacteria.
Currently, there are several types of vaccines available to prevent meningococcal meningitis, including vaccines against common bacteria types such as A, C, W, and Y. The vaccination schedule is as follows:
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Children from 9 months to under 2 years old: 2 doses at least 3 months apart.
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From 2 to 55 years old: a single dose - only a booster may be required in some special cases.
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If a child has already received the meningococcal AC vaccine and it has been over 3 years, parents need to take the child for a booster of the new type, which requires only a single dose.
Conclusion
Meningococcal meningitis is a serious illness that threatens human life and health. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and methods of prevention and treatment of the disease is crucial to ensure community health. The use of vaccines to prevent the disease and maintaining personal and environmental hygiene are important measures to prevent the spread of the disease and reduce the incidence and mortality rates of meningococcal meningitis.