Early Detection of Meningitis Saves Lives - Physician

 

Onaiwu said in Abuja on Wednesday that failure to treat it early, could lead to paralysis.

Meningitis is a serious, sometimes fatal illness, in which a viral or bacterial infection inflames the meringes, causing symptoms such as severe headache, vomiting stiff neck, and high fever.

The doctor explained that bacterial meningitis could be life threatening, as the infection could cause the tissues around the brain to swell.

Onaiwu said that acute bacterial meningitis was the most common form of meningitis representing approximately 80 per cent of all cases.

He explained that this could interfere with blood flow and could result in paralysis or even stroke.

According to him, meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

He said, “Meningitis can be caused by a bacterium, fungal or viral infection.

``Meningitis can be acute, with a quick start of symptoms, it can be chronic, lasting a month or more, or it can be mild.''

Onaiwu said that bacteria most often responsible for meningitis were common in the environment and could also be found in the nose and respiratory system without causing any harm.

“Sometimes meningitis occurs for no known reason. Other times it occurs after a head injury or after you have had an infection and your immune system is weakened,” he said.

The doctor said, ``It can be treated by immunisation, through intake of vaccines. The vaccines can be taken for three years, it is an intravascular vaccines.

“It is not mandatory you always take the vaccines before you can be protected.''

Onaiwu also said that outbreaks of bacterial meningitis could also occur in living situations in close contact with others, such as college dormitories or military barracks.

“In older children and adults, one may see confusing situations like, irritability, increasing drowsiness, seizures and stroke may also occur.

“In young children, the fever may cause vomiting and they may refuse to eat. Young children may become very irritable and cry. There may be seizures,” he said.

Also, because the fluid around the skull may become blocked, their heads may swell.

``My advice is that if there is any one experiencing such symptoms, he should immediately see a doctor for early treatment,” Onaiwu said.