How meningitis affects millions annually: identify symptoms and see what to do to prevent infection
More than five million people are affected by meningitis every year around the world. For every ten patients diagnosed, one may die due to the disease, while two others are left with permanent sequelae. Meningitis is characterized as a serious inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, and its cause can be viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal in origin.
In general, the bacterial variant of the disease is the most serious, with rapid progression that requires immediate medical treatment. On the other hand, viral meningitis usually presents a milder condition, with spontaneous recovery in most cases, but still requires specialized medical evaluation.
What are the warning signs for meningitis?
As explained by Professor Cristiane Aparecida Costa, coordinator of the Nursing course at Unopar, the most frequently observed symptoms include stiffness in the back of the neck, making it difficult to bring the chin closer to the chest, as well as fever, nausea and a very intense headache.
The specialist emphasizes the importance of early detection of meningitis at the first signs. This allows treatment to begin quickly, preventing the development of injuries that could result in long-lasting consequences or even lead to death.
Effective measures to prevent the disease
To reduce the risks of contagion, Cristiane Aparecida Costa advises the adoption of several practices in everyday life. Check out the main ones:
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- Avoid staying in places with a large concentration of people;
- Keep environments well ventilated and, if possible, exposed to sunlight, especially classrooms, workplaces and public transport;
- Do not share personal items, such as cutlery and glasses;
- Intensify your hygiene habits, washing your hands frequently, especially before meals;
- Keep your vaccination schedule up to date.
Vaccines available in the public network against meningitis
Immunization is one of the most important strategies for protection against meningitis. See below the vaccines offered in the public network that help prevent different types of the disease:
- Type C meningitis (contained in the Meningo C vaccine)
- For children: first dose at 3 months and second dose at 5 months.
- For adolescents aged 12 to 13: one dose.
- Pneumococcal meningitis (contained in the Pneumo 10 vaccine)
- For children: first dose at 2 months and second dose at 4 months.
- Haemophilus influenzae meningitis (contained in the Pentavalent vaccine)
- For children: first dose at 2 months; second dose at 4 months; and third dose at 6 months.
- Tuberculous meningitis (BCG vaccine offers protection)
- For children: administered at birth.
Ten crucial guidelines for meningitis care
Meningitis requires an agile medical response and specialized care throughout the entire treatment process. The coordinator of the Nursing course at Unopar, Cristiane Aparecida, offers the following essential guidance in situations where the disease is suspected:
- Seek immediate medical attention:In case of suspicion, manifested by high fever, intense headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, mental confusion, excessive drowsiness or spots on the skin that do not disappear when pressed, seek emergency services immediately. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Do not postpone essential diagnostic tests:Diagnosis usually includes clinical examination, lumbar puncture (to analyze cerebrospinal fluid), blood cultures and imaging tests, if necessary. These procedures are essential to determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
- Start appropriate treatment depending on the origin:For bacterial meningitis, treatment involves intravenous antibiotics and, sometimes, corticosteroids, as prescribed by a doctor; for viral infections, supportive care is adopted and, in specific cases (such as herpes), antivirals; and for fungal, specific antifungals are used.
- Consider isolation when necessary:Certain types of bacterial meningitis, such as meningococcal, require contact and droplet precautions during the contagious period, which extends for up to 24 hours after starting antibiotic therapy. It is essential to follow the health team’s instructions on isolation.
- Perform chemoprophylaxis and vaccination of contacts when indicated:For specific types of the disease, such as meningococcal, chemoprophylaxis (preventive use of antibiotics) may be recommended for people who have had close contact with the patient. Vaccination is also a crucial preventive measure, with vaccines againstHaemophilus influenzaetype b (Hib), pneumococcus and meningococcus recommended according to the vaccination schedule.
- Invest in symptom control and general support:Measures such as adequate hydration, fever and pain control, as well as rest are important during treatment. In some cases, monitoring of neurological signs and support in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) may be necessary.
- Keep monitoring for complications and sequelae:Meningitis can cause complications such as seizures, brain edema, hearing loss and neurological deficits. It is essential to monitor and refer the patient for rehabilitation (speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, neurological monitoring) when sequelae appear.
- Prevention with hygiene and risk reduction measures:Reinforce hand hygiene, avoid sharing personal objects (such as cups, cutlery and toothbrushes) in outbreak situations and adopt preventive measures in risky places, such as daycare centers and schools. It is equally important to cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing, and maintain adequate ventilation indoors.
- Complete the full treatment:Strictly follow the course of antibiotics and other medications until the end, even if symptoms improve, to avoid a recurrence of the disease or the development of bacterial resistance. Attend return appointments and carry out control exams as instructed.
- Offer information and support to families:It is essential to explain the disease, prognosis, warning signs and home care; in addition to offering emotional support and guidance on rehabilitation if there are sequelae. Notify health authorities when required, as some forms of meningitis are notifiable.
