Hey everyone, it’s been a while since I wrote to you. And, today I wanted to speak about
“Meningococcal Meningitis” because ignorance is not bliss in this case.
But, before I begin, let me start by highlighting why this topic is so close to me.
A few years back, my brother complained of a headache and cried his lungs out. My parents
rushed him to the hospital where he was admitted without delay. As it turned out, he had
“meningococcal meningitis” and that was the first time I had heard about it.
There was no Google back then and I waited to know more, and I distinctly recall how painful
those days had been. But, thankfully, my brother recovered.
So here is a post of few things that we learnt from the doctors, and also some help is taken for
information online.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is a life-threatening disease, and unfortunately, there are no basic warning signs.
Meningococcal Meningitis is the swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, which could
be caused because of a bacterial or viral or another type of infection of other uncommon causes.
It is very unpredictable and can claim one’s life within 24 hours.
This may be a rare disease, but one out of ten people who may be affected with meningococcal meningitis may lose their
life!
Facts that I uncovered about Meningococcal Meningitis that you should know
1. My quest to understand this disease led me to uncovering more information about the
disease. My readings informed me that Meningococcal Meningitis a devastating disease,
which causes swelling of the fluid and membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and
spinal cord.
2. Just like what had happened with my brother, the symptoms which are most common
and easy to identify are:
Extreme headache
Stiffness in the neck area
Vomiting
Confusion
High fever
No time should be lost, and the patient should be rushed to the emergency room. Even if the disease is diagnosed early and treatment is started, 8% to 15% of the patients may lose their
lives, within two days or maybe earlier. And, about 50 % of the patients may suffer brain
damage or hearing loss, even after being treated.
3. Having seen my brother suffer from it, I had wrongly assumed it doesn’t affect children.
The disease, in fact, can affect any age group, but babies and school children get
affected the most.
4. My parents didn’t have this information at the end and my brother had to suffer for it.
But the good news is Meningococcal Meningitis is vaccine-preventable! 7 Discuss with
your paediatricians, how early the protection can be offered against this deadly disease. 8
Meningococcal Meningitis is a deadly disease. My brother was lucky but not many are.
Thankfully you don’t need to depend on luck any more with a vaccine easily available. If your
child shows any of the above signs, do not delay the doctor visit. Better yet, get them
vaccinated today.
Join the movement against Meningococcal Meningitis today!
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views solely
of the blogger. This is a part of the public awareness initiative on meningitis supported by Sanofi
Pasteur India. Sanofi Pasteur bears no responsibility for the content of the blog. One should
consult their healthcare provider for any health-related information. This article is meant to help
create awareness and spread knowledge. Any decision regarding your health and child's health
should be done after consultation with your doctor. While all efforts are made to keep articles
updated, the speed of research in these fields mean the information often may change when
more research knowledge is available. Slimexpectations or the authors should be in no way held
responsible in that case.
1 https://www.meningitis.org/meningitis/what-is-meningitis
2 Thompson MJ et al. Clinical recognition of meningococcal disease in children and adolescents. Lancet. 2006 Feb
4367(9508):397403.
3 https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/what-is-meningitis/how-to-catch-meningitis/
4 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/meningococcal-meningitis
5 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/meningococcal-meningitis
6 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/meningococcal-meningitis
7 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/meningococcal-meningitis
8 https://www.indianpediatrics.net/dec2013/dec-1095-1108.htm
Bappa, aapke bhai ko bhi hua tha 😱😱 thank God ki wo thik ho gaye 🤗🤗
Maine suna to tha thoda idea bhi tha kikya hota hai, per itni details aaj pata chali, thanks for information n pray karti hu ki kabhi bhi kisi ko koi dukh talkif na ho 🙏🙏
I have lost a friend to Meningitis. It is indeed life-threatening, and glad you are spreading awareness of the same.
Never thought that Meningococcal meningitis can be so dangerous and symptoms are similar to Normal fever. That’s very informative post. Never know that we have vaccine for its prevention.
Never thought that Meningococcal meningitis can be so dangerous and symptoms are similar to Normal fever. Never know that we have vaccine for its prevention.
Its important to spread awareness about this serious disease.Its always good to be vaccinated on time.Right?
Meningococcal meningitis is a serious infection and timely vaccination for it is a must!! The movement against meningococcal meningitis needs more awareness. Thanks for an informative post!
Identify the symptoms and immediately consult the Doctor is a big task. This post is very helpful to know bout the disease in detail.
This is a dangerous disease. So glad your brother could be saved in time. Vaccination sure is the best way to protect and prevent it.
This is an informative post to share awareness about these diseases. Thanks for sharing.
True that Zainab, Meningitis is really scary and deadly disease, glad you are helping in spreading the word.