Meningitis is a serious vaccine preventable infection holding significant health concerns, particularly for children. World Meningitis Day 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 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. Clinical features of patients with meningitis vary depending on the cause, disease course (acute, sub-acute 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. Less frequent symptoms are seizures, coma and neurological deficits (for example hearing or vision loss, cognitive impairment, or weakness of the limbs).
“Meningitis is a fast-acting and potentially severe infection, posing a significant threat, especially to young children,” says Dr. Gnanapandithan, Senior Consultant Pediatrician, Chennai.
“Vaccination is vital for both individual protection and global disease prevention. It stands as one of the most significant choices a family can make to ensure lasting health. High-risk individuals, such as those immunocompromised, college students, students going abroad, travelers, individuals living in crowded environments should also prioritize vaccination.”