Mangalore : Meningitis, also known as Brain fever, is a serious vaccine preventable infection holding significant health concerns, particularly for children. World Meningitis Day: 5th October aims to raise awareness and drive global efforts to defeat this disease, promoting the lifesaving potential of early detection and it’s prevention through vaccination.
With over 2.5 million cases reported globally each year, meningitis represents a severe health crisis, as nearly 70% of those who succumb to this disease, are children under the age of five.
Meningitis, also known as Brain Fever, is the swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord (the meninges) and is usually caused by a bacterial, fungal or viral infection. 3 Clinical features of patients with meningitis vary depending on the cause, disease course (acute, subacute or chronic), brain involvement (meningo-encephalitis) and systemic complications (e.g., sepsis). Common symptoms of meningitis are neck stiffness, fever, confusion or altered mental status, headaches, nausea and vomiting.3 Less frequent symptoms are seizures, coma and neurological deficits (for example hearing or vision loss, cognitive impairment, or weakness of the limbs). 3
Dr. Kiran Baliga, Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Abhay Child Care Centre, Balmatta, Mangalore explains, “Every dose of meningitis vaccine is an investment in a healthier future. Those at higher risk, including immunocompromised individuals, college students, frequent travelers, and people living in close quarters, must make vaccination a top health priority. By prioritizing vaccination, we can ensure children grow up safe from this fast-moving and deadly disease. Prevention is far simpler and safer than cure.”
To combat this deadly disease, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommends meningococcal vaccine as 2-dose schedule between 9-23 months and a single dose above 2 years who are at increased risk of this disease.
If your child is aged 9 months and above, ensure they receive vaccine against Invasive Meningococcal Disease.”