Public urged: Be vigilant against meningitis

MANILA, Philippines - In celebration of World Meningitis Day, people are again reminded to take an active stand against meningitis, a disease which causes around 170,000 deaths globally every year. 

The call to action encourages individuals, families and communities to learn the signs and symptoms of meningitis, the importance of urgent treatment of the disease, and that prevention is available through vaccination against some forms of meningitis.

Globally, the celebration is spearheaded by the Confederation of Meningitis Organizations (CoMO). In the country, the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) and the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society of the Philippines (PIDSP) were the lead organizations in the observance of the event done in Baguio City recently.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, called meninges. It is caused by three kinds of germs — virus, fungi and bacteria. 

Viral meningitis is the most common and least severe type. Almost all patients recover without permanent damage, although recovery might take weeks. 

Meningitis caused by fungi can cause severe infections but occurs much less than viral or bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis, on the other hand, is more aggressive and can lead to permanent damage or death.    

The best means of preventing bacterial meningitis is through vaccination. Vaccines are given to prepare the immune system before exposure to the bacteria so that it is better able to fight an infection when it occurs. 

To underscore the importance of vaccination in preventing the disease, a ceremonial vaccination was done to commemorate World Meningitis Day, benefiting more than 500 children and adults in Baguio City. 

Among the vaccines given during the ceremonial shot included Sanofi Pasteur’s meningococcoccal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine, MCV4-D, which is administered to help one fight against meningococcal disease cause by Neiserria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W-135. 

Aside from actively participating in the mass immunization, Sanofi Pasteur also organized a scientific lecture for medical practitioners to highlight the value of preventive immunization.

Meningitis is not easy to recognize in the early stages. The main symptoms to look out for are fever, vomiting, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and drowsiness.

The disease can develop quickly, over a matter of hours with devastating effects. Those who survive the disease may contend with serious complications such as deafness, brain damage, and limb-loss. 

Until the cause of meningitis has been established it should be regarded as a medical emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and urgent treatment.