The World Health Organisation and three other international public health organisations have warned that Africa is at risk of a large meningitis outbreak if production of vaccines are not scaled up.
In a statement by the WHO, the organisations warned that an acute shortage of meningitis C-containing vaccine threatened to severely limit the world’s ability to minimise the number of people with the disease.
While we hope this shortage comes to an end soon, we have to leave the back seat, educate and protect ourselves from this disease.
Facts About Meningitis
Tissues called meninges form a protective shield over your brain and spinal cord. Any condition that causes inflammation of the meninges is termed meningitis. Meningitis can cause severe brain damage with fatality in 50 per cent of cases if left untreated.
Several types of bacteria can cause meningitis but the Neisseria meningitidis is the one with the potential to cause large epidemics.
Common bacteria that can cause meningitis can spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing eating utensils, a toothbrush or a cigarette. You’re also at increased risk if you live or work with someone who has the disease.
These steps can help prevent meningitis:
Wash your hands: Careful hand-washing is important to avoiding exposure to infectious agents. Teach your children to wash their hands often, especially before they eat and after using the toilet, spending time in a crowded public place or playing with animals. Show them how to wash their hands vigorously, covering both the front and back of each hand with soap and rinsing thoroughly under running water.
Practice good hygiene:Â Don’t share drinks, straws, eating utensils, lip balms or toothbrushes with anyone else. Teach your children and teens to avoid sharing these items too.
Pay attention to your health: Maintain your immune system by getting enough rest, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Involve the family in your workout sessions and teach your children the importance of eating their vegetables.
Cover your mouth:Â When you need to cough or sneeze, be sure to cover your mouth and nose.
If pregnant, be extra cautious: Reduce your risk of listeriosis if you’re pregnant by cooking meat, including hot dogs and deli meat, to 165 F (74 C), and avoiding soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, including feta, queso, Brie and Camembert. Don’t eat these types of cheeses unless they’re clearly labeled that they were made with pasteurized milk.
I hope these tips help. If you have more tips you would like to share; kindly do so in the comment section below.
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