MENINGITIS THE MONSTER

                    Join the fight against Meningitis 

Meningitis is an acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges.

The inflammation may be caused by infection with:

• viruses : enterovirus, herpes simplex virus, Varicella zoster virus, mumps virus, HIV and LCMV

• bacteria: Nisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes etc

• other microorganisms: fungi, protozoa etc

• drugs: NSAIDS, some Antibiotics, IV immunoglobulin


Meningitis can be life-threatening because of the inflammation's proximity to the brain and spinal cord; therefore, the condition is classified as a medical emergency.

Symptoms

• headache

• neck stiffness associated with fever

• confusion or altered consciousness, vomiting,

• Inability to tolerate light (photophobia) or loud noises (phonophobia).

• Children often exhibit only nonspecific symptoms, such as irritability and drowsiness.

• Rashes

Preventive/control measures
As we await government and the vaccines for meningitis, let us employ the following measures to at least control it's spread.

• Avoid contact with respiratory droplets

• Be conscious of whom you kiss

• Coughing or sneezing on someone should be avoided

• Contaminations from feces or fecal matters should be avoided

• Avoid self-diagnosis

• Avoid self-medication

• Visit or take to the nearest hospital for proper attention, anyone who exhibits any of the above symptoms; especially where these triad is found

1. Severe Headache
2. stiffness of neck with high fever
3. Sudden alteration of mental status

Chuka Amukamara

Department of Pharmacy

University of Benin

Nigeria. 

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