Meningococcal disease is a severe and deadly illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitides. It affects the tissues lining the brain, spinal cord, and bloodstream and is spread through close and lengthy contact, such as sharing the same room or house with an infected person and kissing.
The disease is prevalent among babies, small children, teenagers, and even older adults. In the past, high infection rates in college students were also observed. The highest concentrations of the disease are found in the Sub-Saharan African region, which is also dubbed by health experts as the Meningitis Belt of the world.
The medical world has gone a long way in creating medical interventions for this condition. The main one is a vaccine that can be safely administered to children. There are two types of vaccine available today: the MenACWY conjugate vaccine and the Men B vaccine. These vaccines protect against almost all deadly strains of meningococcal disease, and they’re provided for free in many countries with large-scale immunization programs. They’re also available at low costs in many health institutions.
Cases of meningococcal vaccine side effects have been recorded, and legal action has been taken in many of them to further the cause of improving the administration of this vital piece of medicine. Note that you deserve protection from improper vaccination.
Whether you are a health professional in training or simply someone concerned about this disease, this guide should offer you the essentials on how the disease works and how meningococcal vaccines help many of its victims.
The History Of The Disease
In 1805, a general practitioner named Gaspard Vieusseux recorded the first outbreak of meningococcal meningitis in Geneva. Africa had its first outbreak of the same disease in 1840. These were a few among several major outbreaks of the disease at the beginning of the 20th century. Specialists have been trying to find ways to treat its victims while curbing its spread.
When Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, this became the primary treatment method for the illness. Many penicillin-based antibiotics are currently used to treat laboratory-confirmed cases of meningococcal infections. However, some strains have been resistant to these drugs, making prevention a bigger priority.
Who Is At Risk Of Meningococcal Disease?
Some people can be carriers of the bacteria and not manifest any symptoms. This can make it harder to contain infections, especially if such people come into contact with particularly vulnerable demographics. Regular testing can help prevent dormant carriers from spreading the disease.
The following people are at high risk of contracting the disease:
- Immediate family members of carriers
- Infants, small children, adolescents, and young adults
- Smokers
- People who get regular physical contact with more than one partner
- Travelers who have recently been to countries with high rates of the disease
- People with spleen problems or rare medical conditions that reduce immunity
- Patients who have recently recovered from a viral upper respiratory tract infection
How It Is Prevented
Vaccination plays a crucial role in curbing the spread of this deadly disease. It has been part of many local and global efforts to reduce mortality rates in high-risk areas, especially among marginalized groups.
There are two types of meningococcal vaccines administered to children today:
- MenACWY conjugate vaccine – All 11-to-12-year-old are recommended to get this vaccine. A booster shot to maintain its efficacy should be received once they reach the age of 16. Babies and children may be inoculated between two months and ten years old if they fall under specific categories.
- Men B vaccine – This is recommended for children ten years or older with an increased risk of the disease.
Meningococcal disease is rare but very serious. The safest and most effective way to stay protected from it is to get vaccinated.
In fact, the number of recorded cases of bacterial meningitis across the globe has been dropping, a breakthrough primarily attributed to vaccines. One of the most astounding successes is the vaccination of about a quarter of a million people in the Meningitis Belt of Africa between 1996 and 1997. Since the program in Africa started, cases of meningitis in this region have declined significantly. Efforts remain ongoing in the hopes of stamping out the disease entirely.
The Symptoms
The symptoms of meningococcal disease can be compared to those of the common flu, such as fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting. However, some symptoms, like a stiff neck, confusion, and increased light sensitivity, are unique to the condition.
Extraction and examination of cerebrospinal fluid may be needed to have a definitive diagnosis. Blood tests have also been found helpful in confirming the presence of the disease. Once confirmed, swift treatment with antibiotics is provided to prevent the worsening of the patient’s condition.
In advanced cases, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and rapidly damage the walls of the blood vessels. This leads to a condition called meningococcal septicemia or meningococcemia. When this happens, purple rashes can be observed on the patient’s face and body. At this point, intensive care is needed.
The mortality rate is one in ten. If patients manage to live through the infection, about one in five may develop a permanent disability. Survivors of this disease have experienced a loss of limbs, deafness, blindness, brain damage, kidney and liver disease, and nervous system problems.
Treatment
Antibiotics are the primary treatment method for this illness, and immediate administration is necessary. In some cases, a patient may also need breathing support, medications to treat low blood pressure, wound care for damaged body parts, surgery to remove dead tissue, and even amputation. For patients who suffer from septicemia, dialysis may be needed.
Re-infection
People can get the disease more than once, though this is rare. If you get this more than once, you may suffer from an immune deficiency condition that needs to be checked by your doctor. If you happen to have an immunodeficiency disorder, always stay in contact with your physician.
Conclusion
Meningococcal disease is a rare but deadly illness. Thankfully, vaccination has been proven to be effective in combating its spread. Consider raising awareness about the condition to further efforts to treat it. Every little step can save lives.
