Meningitis – awareness needed

Pinky Ramokoka

Recently there was an outbreak of meningitis in some schools. People were not aware of the symptoms of this deadly disease until the school children died.Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissue lining that protects the brain and spinal cord.

It is caused by an infection – usually a bacteria or a virus and it can be triggered by fungus or parasites.Unlike HIV/Aids which spreads through unprotected sex and the use of unsterilised needles, meningitis is spread through contact with fine droplets or discharges from the nose or mouth of the infected person eg when you sneeze, kiss, share used eating utensils or share confined spaces (eg bedroom or classroom).

There has been great awareness around HIV/Aids which is good. But as far as other diseases like meningitis, less is being done. Government is doing less to create awareness around this disease and it's killing our people.

Everything is taken lightly in this country and the sad thing is that when problems reach crisis stages, it is only then that government reacts. It is unfortunate that many people are dying as government maintains a silence over the whole situation.

This is a serious disease that concerns everyone.Government needs to start an initiative to distribute as much information on this as possible. It should create awareness around this disease in schools, especially in rural areas because people living there are not well informed or educated.

What are the symptoms of meningitis:* high fever* very bad headache made worse by bending forward* nausea and vomiting* very stiff neck* irritability or confusion* drowsiness* sensitivity to lightProtect yourself by watching out for these symptoms of meningitis.

Tell your friends of the symptoms. If you or a member of your family are suffering from all these symptoms, go straight to your doctor or clinic.

Source

Numsa News