Meningococcal meningitis Symptoms, Prevention, Causative agent
Epidemiology:
Meningococcal meningitis is observed worldwide; the highest burden of the disease is in the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east. Meningococcal meningitis is associated with high fatality (50% when untreated) and high frequency (10-20%) of severe long-term sequelae. Early antibiotic treatment is the most important measure to save lives and reduce complications. Serogroup specific vaccines are used for prevention and in response to outbreaks. Since 2010 and the roll-out of a meningococcal A conjugate vaccine through mass preventive immunization campaigns in the meningitis belt, the proportion of the A serogroup has declined dramatically.
Causative agent :
Neisseria meningitis
Signs and symptoms:
Headache, vomiting, stiff neck and progress within a few hours
Incubation period
3-4 days
Mode of Transmission
Droplet infection
Prevention and Control
Isolation
Penicillin is the drug of choice
Chemoprophylaxis is suggested for close contact persons.
Immunization
Prevention of overcrowding is a long term measure
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