Cerebrospinal Meningitis Outbreak in Nigeria Situation Report (as at 3rd April 2017)
Highlights
• Meningitis outbreaks are currently reported in five States (Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger and Sokoto) in Northwest and Northcentral zones of Nigeria
• The most common serotype is Neisseria Meningitidis serotype C (Nm C); 83% of samples tested
• As of 3rd April 2017, a total of 2,997 cases with 336 deaths have been reported with 146 of cases being laboratory confirmed.
Epi summary
• Total of 2,997 suspected cases with 336 deaths (CFR=11.2%) have been reported fromLGAs • Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto States account for about 93% of the cases reported
• A total of 146 positive cases confirmed by Pastorex and Culture; Neisseria meningitides serotype C being the most common serotype, accounting for 83% of cases.
• The most affected age group is 5-‐14 years of age.
• First report of suspected case began in weekof 2016 in Zamfara; cumulative ofEpid weeks • Risk of international border transmission; Zurmi LGA in Zamfara State, Gada LGA in Sokoto State and Jibia LGA in Katsina State share borders with Niger Republic
• 500,000 doses of the AC-‐PS vaccine granted by the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision (ICG) for reactive vaccination in Zamfara has arrived Nigeria.
• Reactive Vaccination has been re-‐scheduled for 5th – 9th April 2017 in Zamfara State, while Sokoto and Katsina’s ICG requests being considered.
---------------------------------------------WHAT IS MENINGITIS?
Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. This inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Meningitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses. Symptoms can come on very quickly or gradually over a few days. It can kill within 24 hours so be very observant.
MAJOR SYMPTOMS
1. Headache
2. Fever
3. A very strong aversion for light. The person always looks away from bright light and prefers dark rooms.
4. Neck stiffness and pain that makes it difficult to touch your chin to your chest as such moving the neck causes severe pains.
5. Others include: Seizures, Sleepiness, and sluggishness, Nausea and vomiting, Decreased appetite, Confusion and disorientation (acting goofy), Skin rash, as well as Irritability.
👉 Note:
Previous contact with someone who was diagnosed with meninigitis increases the chances of getting infected.
Anybody who has most, or all of the above symptoms, and currently lives, or recently lived in the areas currently affected by meningitis, should be isolated until treatment is complete especially as we approach festive period when most travel from different part of the country in particular from states in the Northern Nigeria and other African countries in the Meningitis Belt.
👉Who is most at Risk?
🚶People with low immunity e.g. people with HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy etc
🚶People sleeping in crowded spaces
🚶Pregnant women
🚶Children under the age of 5years old and the elderly
👉How is Meningitis Spread?
Spread through close personal contact such as coughing, sneezing, and kissing
Contact with throat secretions from an infected person (for example, phlegm or saliva).
Sharing personal belongings.
Poor personal hygiene.
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PREVENTION
It should be noted, that the most effective form of prevention is VACCINATION with the MENINGOCOCCAL Vaccine. Since this vaccine is currently lacking, Let's highlight other measures.
1. Avoid prolonged personal contact with people suspected, or confirmed to be infected as well as their body secretions..
2. Avoid sharing personal items with people suspected, or confirmed to be infected.
3. Get vaccinated if available; Vaccines which can help protect against Meningitis are: Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Meningococcal vaccine
4. Get adequate rest
5. Avoid smoking
6. If you have been in contact with a sick person in an affected area, visit your doctor to give you preventive antibiotics to reduce chances of contacting the disease and also carry out further evaluations. These preventive drugs include:
i. RIFAMPICIN 600mg TWICE daily for two days.
The Tablet Rifampicin is mainly used for treating Tuberculosis, but is globally used for prophylaxis against Meningitis. Being a TB drug, it should be widely available in Nigeria.
While the government seeks to generate funds for the meningococcal vaccine, this measure can be lifesaving for contacts of those infected.
ii. A single dose of 500mg CIPROFLOXACIN
iii. A single administration of CEFTRIAXONE intramuscularly 125mg for children and 250mg for adults.
7. If you come down with any of the symptoms above, go to the hospital IMMEDIATELY and avoid people touching you unecessarily.
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TREATMENT
Once meningitis is strongly suspected or confirmed, please DO NOT STAY AT HOME. Go to a hospital with facilities where you can get an IV line, isolation room, and the required antibiotics for treatment.
Once you have all or most of the above symptoms, you have no business being at home.
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Share as widely as possible in all our different languages as you may save a life.
ANOTHER ARTICLE ON MENINGITIS OUTBREAK
1. Take extra care when close to sick people to avoid getting infected
2. Stop smoking
3. Get enough rest
4. Personal and general hygeine
5. Eat lots of garlic
6. Coconut oil, administered in tablespoons, may improve your chances preventing it.
*Note that Coconut Oil and Garlic are both food, and it's therefore not likely that you can overdose on them. If you do notice symptoms like
WATCH OUT FOR:
1. Fever
2. Severe, persistent headache
3. Neck stiffness and pain that makes it difficult to touch your chin to your chest
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Confusion and disorientation (acting "goofy")
6. Drowsiness or sluggishness
7. Sensitivity to bright light
8. Poor appetite
9. More severe symptoms include seizure and coma
It won't hurt to increase your intake of garlic and coconut oil.
HELP SAVE NIGERIAN LIVES. SHARE THE LINK NOW!
HLF🌀
