Meningococcal Disease and How to Prevent It

Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. This bacterium can reside in the nasal and throat areas of healthy individuals without causing disease, but when the body is weakened or conditions are favorable, it can invade the bloodstream, travel to the brain, and cause meningococcal meningitis.

  Learn about meningococcal disease.

The disease usually has a sudden onset, with the following symptoms:

- High fever, chills, severe headache, nausea, and vomiting.

- Stiff neck, fussiness, refusal to feed, lethargy, or signs of seizures in infants.

- In some cases, there may be a hemorrhagic rash under the skin – a warning sign that the disease has progressed to a severe stage.

Specifically, the disease is transmitted through the respiratory tract, through close contact with sick people or healthy carriers of the bacteria, via droplets when coughing or sneezing, or when sharing personal items such as cups, spoons, towels, etc.

Why is special vigilance needed for preschool children?

Preschool children have immature immune systems and often participate in group activities and close contact with each other, making them susceptible to infection. When they do get sick, the illness can progress very quickly, with children potentially becoming seriously ill within just a few hours.

Therefore, early prevention, early recognition, and timely treatment are extremely important. Every teacher and every parent is the first line of defense protecting children from the risk of illness.

To effectively prevent the disease, people need to implement the following measures:

1. Educate the community, especially in endemic areas and areas with previous outbreaks, about meningococcal disease and preventive measures.

2. Practice good personal hygiene: wash hands frequently with soap, rinse mouth and throat with common antiseptic solutions. Eat a nutritious diet, exercise, and improve your physical condition.

3. Practice good ventilation: Regularly open windows and doors to ensure proper ventilation in your home/room, workplace, or study area every day.

4. Proactively get vaccinated against meningococcal disease.

Meningococcal vaccination : This is the most effective measure for long-term prevention. Parents should proactively take their children to reputable vaccination centers for consultation and full vaccination according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health .

* Types of vaccines :

- BC : Room for groups B and C (VA-Mengoc BC).

- ACYW : Room groups A, C, Y, W-135 (Menactra, MenQuadfi).

- Comprehensive : Vaccines are available to protect against all 5 common serotypes (A, B, C, Y, W-135).

* Vaccination schedule :

- BC : Children 9-24 months: 2 doses 3 months apart; Adults 2-55 years: 1 dose (can be repeated).

- ACYW : For individuals aged 2-55 years: 1 dose; Repeat every 4 years (if at risk).

Let's all say NO to meningococcal disease!

For your child's health, for their smile – let's act today!

Department Media - GDSK

Source: https://yte.nghean.gov.vn/tin-chuyen-nganh/benh-nao-mo-cau-va-cach-phong-benh-990583