Following the outbreak of killer disease, Miningitis in the country, veteran actress, Rita Edochie, has shared tips on the dangers of the disease and how to survive it.
According to her, the disease has killed no fewer that 324 people in only three weeks with a new one recorded on Cross river state. She also added that past vaccination was useless as the current meningitis strain is different from the one many were vaccinated against.
She wrote, “The current outbreak is caused by Type C strain, which is rare. Past vaccination against Meningitis will NOT guarantee protection against this strain as the vaccines commonly available in Nigeria are against the type B strain.
What do you know about MENINGITIS: its Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment?
WHAT IS MENINGITIS?
Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. This inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Meningitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses. Symptoms can come on very quickly or gradually over a few days. It can kill within 24 hours so be very observant.
MAJOR SYMPTOMS
1. Headache
2. Fever
3. A very strong aversion for light. The person always looks away from bright light and prefers dark rooms.
4. Neck stiffness and pain that makes it difficult to touch your chin to your chest as such moving the neck causes severe pains.
5. Others include: Seizures, Sleepiness, and sluggishness, Nausea and vomiting, Decreased appetite, Confusion and disorientation (acting goofy), Skin rash, as well as Irritability.
Note
Previous contact with someone who was diagnosed with meninigitis increases the chances of getting infected
Anybody who has most, or all of the above symptoms, and currently lives, or recently lived in the areas currently affected by meningitis, should be isolated until treatment is complete.
Especially as we approach festive period when most travel from different part of the country in particular from states in the Northern Nigeria and other African countries in the Meningitis Belt
Who is most at Risk?
People with low immunity e.g. people with HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy etc
People sleeping in crowded spaces including children in boarding schools, prisons, etc
Pregnant women
Children under the age of 5years old and the elderly
How is Meningitis Spread?
Spread through close personal contact.”
Meanwhile, the Lagos state government has denied reports that deaths were recorded in the state from the disease. According to the state Commissioner for Health, Jide Idris, Lagos has only two suspected cases which were yet to be laboratory-confirmed.
