Meningitis can be referred to as the inflammation in the tissues around the brain and the spinal cord.
This ailment is usually a result of an infection possessing fatal consequences requiring immediate care and attention.
Meningitis is an output led by species and strains of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Usually, infections can be transmitted from person to person. In contrast, minorities include Injuries, cancers, and other areas of transmission.
In the Nepali language, Meningitis is written and pronounced as मेनिन्जाइटिस. According to the recent and latest WHO data published in 2020, Meningitis Deaths in Nepal reached 377 or 0.23% of total deaths.
Bacterial meningitis is classified as the most lethal strain of meningitis, and it showcases impact as soon as 24 hours from contact! The four main causative agents of acute bacterial meningitis are:
- Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)
- Haemophilus influenza
- Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus)
Causes Of Meningitis
Meningitis can occur in individuals of all ages, however, young children and babies are at the most risk of developing any of the four mentioned types of bacterial meningitis.
The causes of meningitis transmission are person-to-person contact identified through droplets, mucus, and secretions from the nose and throat of infected individuals.
meningococcus, pneumococcus, and Haemophilus influenza are caused by the droplet contamination mentioned above.
While Group B streptococcus generally makes its way to infection being carried from the human gut or vagina marking a common ally from mother to child during birth.
Symptoms Of Meningitis
The signs of meningitis vary among infected people greatly categorized by the cause, disease course, brain involvement (meningoencephalitis), and systematic complications such as sepsis.
Now, locating the most common symptoms of meningitis, the following are observed:
- Meningitis Neck stiffness
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Affected mental status
- Fever
Likewise, the less commonly appearing yet existing symptoms are as follows:
- Seizures
- Coma
- Loss of hearing and vision
- Cognitive impairment
- Weak Limbs
It is also crucial to take note that bacterial meningitis pathogens can trigger other symptoms as a consequence of septicemia, such as:
- Limbs turning cold
- excruciating pain in the muscles and bodily joints
- Panting
- Diarrhea
- Rashes in colors of reddish and dark purple tones
Most important of all, babies sometimes demonstrate different symptoms than adults:
- Being unenergetic and less active
- Difficult to wake up
- Stiff or floppy body
- Swelling of the soft spot in the head of babies called fontanelle
Preventive Measure Of Meningitis
As aware and mindful beings, we can certainly mitigate the probability of catching meningitis through the following measures:
- Vaccinate yourself if you can.
- Washing hands frequently several times a day
- Having known someone infected, avoiding close contact, and sharing personal items.
- For pregnant women, taking significant care with food intake
However, the safest and the most reliable preventive approach is vaccination.
At ERA, Meningococcal meningitis A&C or Quadrivalent A, C, Y, W135 (Menomune) vaccination against meningitis is registered for travelers visiting or departing from Nepal.
Travelers having taken a dose years ago, it is worth noting that every 3-5 years a booster meningitis shot is recommended, and if your first dosage falls under the 5-year time frame, getting a booster before traveling is ideal!
How Big Is The Meningitis Needle?
The general rule of thumb is to use a new, sterile, disposable 22–25 gauge needle that is 25 mm long.
However, the size may differ in accordance to the patient’s age, size of body, height, and other inter-associated aspects.
Can You Donate Blood If You Have Meningitis?
The short answer is “no”. Donating blood during meningitis is not favorable since the transfusion can potentially transmit the infection to a healthy being.
Also, the quality of blood is diminished while having an infection, and donating even in such conditions might also be unfavorable to the donor’s body as it is already in a weakened state!
You need to be completely recovered in order to donate your blood if you ever had Meningitis.
Important: Always Check with Your Local Blood Donation Service. Do not donate blood without consulting them first.
If you are a tourist visiting Nepal, or already enjoying your stay, Era International Hospital is your trusted healthcare partner. We offer world-class medical facilities and specialized care tailored to the needs of international visitors. Our dedicated team of experts is committed to providing you with exceptional medical treatment during your time in Nepal.