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What is Meningitis?
Meningococcal meningitis is a serious bacterial infection affecting the membrane surrounding the brain (the meninges). The condition can cause severe neurological damage and is fatal in approximately half of untreated cases. While several types of bacteria can cause meningitis, Neisseria meningitidis carries the greatest epidemic potential.
What are the symptoms of Meningitis?
Sudden high fever, severe headache that isn't easily confused with other types of headache, and a stiff neck, along with vomiting, nausea, confusion, seizures, drowsiness, light sensitivity, and appetite loss. In infants, symptoms present differently, with constant crying, excessive sleepiness, poor feeding, a bulging fontanel, and body stiffness.
What is the global scenario like?
Over 400 million people living in 21 countries within the "African meningitis belt" experience bacterial meningitis epidemics annually. Between 1996 and 2010, the region documented over 800,000 cases with a 10% fatality rate, and 10 to 20% of survivors developing neurological complications.
What is Meningitis's status in Pakistan?
Every year, an estimated 23,000 children die of bacterial meningitis in Pakistan. The extent of meningococcal involvement remains undetermined due to a lack of epidemiological research in the country.
How do you prevent Meningitis?
Disease prevention relies on a combination of vaccination, hygiene practices, and general health precautions, with vaccination being the most effective method. In Pakistan, the Pentavalent vaccine protects children against Hib meningitis as part of the routine EPI schedule.
Vaccine at a glance
Pentavalent Vaccine (Hib)
- 3 doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age
- Given free of charge through EPI Sindh
- Also protects against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and hepatitis B