Dr. Biodun Idowu explain this
Dear Folks
Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed Meningitis outbreak in 16 states, killing 328 people with about 2,524 suspected cases across the country. The most affected States are those within the Africa Meningitis Belt. Other Countries that are facing similar outbreaks include Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Togo, and Burkina Faso. The larger Africa Meningitis Belt consists of 26 Countries that stretch from Senegal and Guinea Bissau on the West Coast to the Eastern countries of Eritrea and Ethiopia.
This current outbreak is caused by Type C, a more virulent strain of Meningitis, than previous Type A that caused epidemic in earlier years
The disease is caused by bacterial or viral infection. It infests the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord causing inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord
Meningitis is spread from person to person by: i. Exchanging respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit) during close or lengthy contact, like coughing, especially if living in the same household.
ii. Direct contact with the secretions of an infected person.
Symptoms Include:
a. Fever
b. Vomiting
c. Headache
d. Generally feeling unwell
e. Limb pain
f. Pale skin
g. Cold hands and feet
h. Rash all over the body
i. Neck stiffness
j. Dislike to bright light
k. Seizures
