This post is a Cerebrospinal Meningitis Awareness & Prevention campaign forwarded to all Lagos State Hospitals on avoiding and preventing the spread of the deadly epidemic in Nigeria...

Meningitis is an acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord known as the meninges. Meningitis can occur when fluid surrounding the meninges becomes infected by bacterial or viral infections. The most common symptoms of cerebrospinal meningitis include fever, headache and neck stiffness.

Other symptoms include confusion or altered consciousness, vomiting, and an inability to tolerate light or loud noises. Young children often exhibit only nonspecific symptoms, such as irritability, drowsiness, or poor feeding.

As the new strain of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (Neisseria Meningitides Type C), has been detected and spread to 16 states across the country. This current outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis started in Zamfara State in November 2016. A total number of 2524 people have been reportedly affected while the death toll has risen to 328 deaths. So far, a total 131 meningitis samples have been confirmed in the laboratory, out of which a majority are Neisseria Meningitides type C.

Actions so far taken include the dispatch of control teams constituted to coordinate all responses aimed at controlling CSM outbreak. Among the steps issued by the Federal Ministry of Health on avoiding contracting cerebrospinal meningitis include;

* Avoiding overcrowding
* Sleeping in well-ventilated places
* Avoiding close and prolonged contact with persons suspected to be suffering from CSM
* Proper disposal of respiratory and throat secretions
* Strict observance of hand-washing
* Don't sneeze into elbow joint/sleeves and ensure to wash hands after
* Reduce handshaking, kissing, sharing utensils or medical interventions such as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
* Vaccination with relevant serotype of the meningococcal vaccine
* Avoid self-medication if CSM is suspected.

It's important that all individuals acquaint themselves with the basic understanding of cerebrospinal meningitis, how it is transmitted and prevented. Individuals should promptly seek medical/health care as soon as CSM or CSM-Like illness is suspected around them.

The Federal Ministry of Health has allayed fears among Nigerians, saying the public should remain calm as Cerebrospinal Meningitis is both preventable and curable. Please share this post to save a life, every Nigerian life matters...thank you.

Very enlightening post and needs be seen by all and acted upon by all too

It's good to be in the know so as to be able to present the escalation of it and to curb it in the bud

Yes you are right. Thank you Sir

kingphilip:
Very enlightening post and needs be seen by all and acted upon by all too

It's good to be in the know so as to be able to present the escalation of it and to curb it in the bud