Srinagar: Meningitis 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 its 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.3 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.
India ranks amongst the top three countries with the highest number of meningitis-related deaths.4 Amongst the three pathogens causing Acute Bacterial Meningitis, Neisseria Meningitidis accounts for high case fatality rate of upto 15% despite treatment and up to 50% when untreated.
Dr. Tanveer Bashir, Sr. Consultant Neonatologist, Noora Hospital, Srinagar States “Preventing meningitis through vaccination is about foresight. We have the knowledge and the tools to stop this disease before it ever reaches our children. It’s about making smart choices today that will protect tomorrow, giving families the comfort of knowing they’ve done everything possible to safeguard their health.”
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.9
If your child is aged 9 months and above, ensure they receive vaccine against Invasive Meningococcal Disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also launched a roadmap aimed at eliminating bacterial meningitis epidemics by 2030, endeavoring to reduce vaccine-preventable cases by 50% and deaths by 70%.10 As we observe World Meningitis Day, let us commit to protect our children and communities. Taking proactive steps today can save lives tomorrow, ensuring a healthier future for all.
World Meningitis Day: Experts urge awareness, vaccination to protect children
