Meningitis:How To Prevent The Spread

                               

Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) is most often caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitides. Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the thin covering of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of the disease include stiff neck, high fever, rash, headache, vomiting, and confusion.

3000 Abuja Residents To Be Immunized Against Meningitis

Following the recent outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in Nigeria, about 328 deaths have been recorded so far according to the Federal Ministry of Health.

The report from the Health Ministry indicated that 90 local government areas across 16 States including Lagos, Osun, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Nasarawa, Jigawa, FCT, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe, Cross Rivers, and Plateau; to have been affected with the epidemic.

According to statistics from the Ministry, 2524 people have been affected across the states and131 samples confirmed in the laboratory with majority as meningitides type C.

As a result of the contagious nature of the disease, it is pertinent to educate Nigerians on the necessary measures to take to prevent its spread.

Nigerians should endeavor to do the following to prevent spread of the disease.

Reduction in sharing utensils
Sleeping in well ventilated places
 Avoidance of close and prolonged contact with cases
 Proper disposal of respiratory and throat secretions
Reduction in hand shaking, kissing or medical intervention such as mouth resuscitation

 Avoidance of self medication

 Avoidance of overcrowding
 Strict observance of hand hygiene

 Usage of relevant stereotype vaccination for meningococcal.

Report any suspected case to the nearest health facility