Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
It is a disease that can progress very quickly, leaving little time for diagnosis or treatment.
It can cause severe brain damage, and if untreated, can be fatal.
The early symptoms are usually flu-like, and by the time you notice the classic symptoms of meningitis, it may have progressed to its advanced stages.
In fact, it can lead to death in as little as 24 hours.
Another complication that occurs in tandem with meningitis is bacteraemia or “blood poisoning”, which occurs when the bacteria enters the bloodstream.
Meningitis is a serious global threat that accounts for an estimated 170,000 deaths worldwide each year.
While meningitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, it is the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis that is one of the more common causes of this disease.
While there are several strains of the bacterium, six have been identified as the cause of epidemics, namely the A, B, C, W135, X and Y strains. (Editor's note: The strain responsible for the Kent outbreak has been identified as B.)
It is important to note that:
- Most people will recover from meningitis and bacteraemia.
- Up to 10% of cases result in death, typically within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.
- 15% of those who survive meningitis will be left with severe after-effects, including:
- Memory loss, difficulty retaining information and/or lack of concentration
- Clumsiness and/or coordination problems
- Residual headaches
- Hearing-related problems, including deafness, dizziness, loss of balance
- Learning difficulties (ranging from temporary deficiencies to long-term impairment)
- Epilepsy and/or seizures (fits)
- Weakness, paralysis or spasms of certain parts of the body
- Speech problems
- Loss of sight and/or changes in sight.
Many survivors are left with concealed after-effects that may last for life, such as memory loss, tiredness, and behavioural and emotional problems.
The meningitis-causing bacterium is transmitted from person-to-person by a carrier who passes it around through:
- Respiratory or throat secretions, e.g. coughing, sneezing, etc.
- Close proximity and prolonged contact, e.g. kissing, living in close quarters (such as a dormitory), sharing eating or drinking utensils, etc.
The average incubation period is four days, but can range between two and 10 days.
Meningococcal meningitis is associated with death and major long-term complications.
The “old” meningococcal vaccine is polysaccharide-based, and is only effective in children above two years old.
The newer meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MCV) protect children from six weeks of age onwards, induce immune memory, and confer protection to the community. (Editor's note: There is also a MenB vaccine, which specifically protects against strain B, that is available in Britain, but not yet approved in Malaysia.)
It should be seriously considered by all parents to protect their children from this very debilitating disease.
After all, the consequences of meningitis are far-reaching and can affect the lives of children and their families.
This illustrates the significance and necessity for immunisation in order to prevent this disease.
Datuk Dr Musa Mohd Nordin is a consultant paediatrician and neonatologist. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
