Cerebrospinal Meningitis Information; your prophylaxis

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By  Mujidat Amusa
Following the outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in Nigeria, increasing number of cases, increasing number of deaths and increasing number of states involved, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)  is involving representative from organizations like National Primary Health Care Development Agency  (NPHCPA) , World Health Organization WHO, UNICEF, US Centre for Disease Control, Médecins San Frontières and E Health Africa. This focused on enlightenment, prevention, strengthening disease surveillance, case detection, verification and management.
Amongst the various means of curbing this menace is routine vaccination. Though this vaccine protects for only 3-5years, mass vaccination in combination with epidemiological surveillance and prompt case management in areas having this outbreak will go a long way in disease control.
SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR
The following signs may worth further investigation in areas involved.
  • Fever
  • Severe, persistent headache 
  • Neck stiffness and pain that makes it difficult to touch your chin to your chest. 
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Confusion and disorientation. 
  • Drowsiness or sluggishness 
  • Sensitivity to bright light. 
  • Cold hands and feet. 
  • Pale blotchy skin. 
  • Spots /rashes
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE 
According to the WHO, epidemiological surveillance is the continuous, systemic collection, analysis and interpretation of health-related data needed for the planning, implementation and evaluation of public health practices.
Epidemiological surveillance is necessary to:
  • serves as an early warning system for impending disease outbreak emergencies. 
  • document the effect of an intervention or monitor progress towards specified goals. 
  • monitor and clarify epidemiology of health problems to allow priorities to be set and make appropriate public health policy. 
VACCINATION
Through the Ministry of Health initiatives, Nigeria has secured 500 000 doses of the meningococcal vaccines from WHO, and also 800 000 from the British Government.
Over the years, Nigeria has always had cases of stereotype A of Neisseria meningitis, but this time, the causative organism is the C stereotype whose vaccine is not commercially available in required quantity.


With the aid of more laboratory evidence which confirmed  the prevalence of stereotype C, shipment of  the appropriate vaccine by WHO is ongoing. This in effect will enable a nationwide vaccination program.

PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION ON MENINGITIS

  1. People resident in states such as Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger, Zamfara and Jigawa are advised to seek early medical attention immediately they experience discomforts such as those listed above. 
  2. People should avoid overcrowding in places that are poorly ventilated such as event halls, schools and such other places. Places of worship, Quranic schools as well as Bible schools should be well ventilated. Overcrowding should be avoided in these places. 
  3. Aside from keeping your vaccination updated, the following are steps to stay generally healthy.
  • Wash of hands as often as possible with soap under running water. 
  • Do not share tooth brush, drinks, foods, straws, eating utensils or lip balm. 
  • Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly boost your natural immunity.
TREATMENT  
      Treatment for infants from age 0-4wks is Ampicillin with either Cefotaxime or an amino glucoside.
      Treatment for ages 1 month and above is Vancomycin with either Cefotaxime or Ceftriaxone.

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