Meningitis outbreak puts eastern region on high alert

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News | January 30, 2006

Meningitis outbreak puts eastern region on high alert

KAKAIRE A. KIRUNDA

MBALE

Either bacteria or a virus usually causes meningitis, though a small

number of cases can be caused by fungal infection.

http://www.monitor.co.ug/news/reg01306.php

When Wambaka of Mbale developed a fever and headache three days

after coming into contact with a friend from Nakapiripirit district,

he was worried.

Wambaka thought his friend had passed on meningitis to him though he

did not have proof.

Wambaka was relieved after a medical test came out negative putting

to rest his worries. Such is the panic looming around in most

districts in the east following an outbreak of meningitis this

month.

Following confirmation of the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has

since confirmed 11 people dead, 142 infected and dispatched a team

of experts to Nakapiripirit to monitor and evaluate the situation.

Vaccine shortage

But a January 26 statement from the World Health Organisation said

the outbreak has affected 175 people in Uganda. The UN agency also

estimated that more than 200,000 vaccine doses are needed to

immunise another 133,000 Ugandans.

The statement further said the health agency was working with the UN

Children's Fund (Unicef) and the government to increase community

awareness in the affected district as well as in the nearby Kitgum

and Moroto districts to persuade people there to make quick

referrals of suspected cases to designated medical centres.

The districts of Sironko, Mbale, Kumi and Kapchorwa have also been

advised to take caution. According to WHO, meningitis is an

inflammation of the brain lining, or meninges, which can cause

serious disability or death. Either bacteria or a virus usually

causes meningitis, though a small number of cases can be caused by

fungal infection.

Meningitis caused by bacteria tends to be more serious. But there

are two types of the bacterial form of the disease: meningococcal

and pneumococal, according to the world health body.

A brief from WHO on the disease says the most common symptoms are a

stiff neck, high fever, and sensitivity to light.

Others are confusion, headaches and vomiting.

The patient may also develop a red rash, which looks like red

pinpricks, and which may develop into purple bruises, blood blisters

or blood spots.

" Even when the disease is diagnosed early and adequate therapy

instituted, 5 to 10 percent of patients die, typically within 24-48

hours of onset of symptoms, " the brief says.

It adds that bacterial meningitis may result in brain damage,

hearing loss, or learning disability in 10 to 20 percent of

survivors.

Prevention

In addition to WHO guidelines, many other organisations geared at

fighting meningitis like the worldwide Meningitis Research

Foundation (MRF) offer a way out.

It is important to know that some types of meningitis are

contagious. One may be exposed to the bacteria when someone with

meningitis coughs or sneezes.

The bacteria can also spread through kissing or sharing eating

utensils, a toothbrush or a cigarette. One is also at increased risk

if they live or work with someone with the disease.

Avoiding exposure to the viruses that cause meningitis can also

reduce risk of contracting meningitis. This means avoiding exposure

to upper respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.

Also, pregnant women can reduce their risk of listeriosis by cooking

meat thoroughly and avoiding cheeses made from unpasteurized milk.

Careful hand washing may be one of the best ways to stay well. One

is urged to boost his immunity by getting enough rest, exercising

regularly and eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and

vegetables.