Meningitis ravages north; preventive measures

At least 269 persons may have died in northern Nigeria as temperatures climb, it has been disclsed.
In Sokoto alone, 15 deaths have been confirmed.
States badly affected are Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, but many others in the northern region, even stretching downwards are not immuned if temperatures, which encourage the causative agents, continue to run high and the rains do not pour.
An official of the country’s Center fo Disease Control, Olubunmi Ojo,  put the death rate at around 269 in the prevalent states, but there are other indications the figures could be higher.
Experts hint that because figures from rural parts are not properly, figures are likely to be way higher.
On its website, Channels Television disclosed that about 50 million Naira was said to have been spent in the last three days to procure vaccines by the state government.
Channels reported further: Officials of the State Ministry of Health have been visiting villages and towns with emergency response ambulances, to evacuate the infected while some other teams were sent to sensitise locals on prevention measures.
The deaths were said to have occurred in seven local governments of Kebbe, Bodinga, Rabah, Wamakko, Gada, Dange/Shuni and Tureta.
The state government however said that so far, it has deployed about 15 medical teams, comprising of over 150 medical personnel to the 23 local governments of the state to prevent further spread.
The government also added that Emergency Response Teams have so far treated no fewer than 330 mixed cases of severe malaria and meningitis across the seven top-hit local governments.
Must-Follow Meningitis Prevention Tips. Courtesy: www.everydayhealth.com.
6 Ways to Prevent MeningitisBy Beth W. Orenstein Reviewed by Pat F. Bass,
Tissues called meninges form a protective shield over your brain and spinal cord. “Any condition that causes inflammation of the meninges is meningitis,” says Ramesh Nathan, MD, an infectious disease specialist and chief of staff at Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, Calif.
How does meningitis spread? The disease is most often caused by bacteria or a virus, with the viral form of the disease usually being less serious than bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis can cause hearing loss, brain damage, other disabilities, and even death — and it’s contagious, potentially transmitted through kissing or sharing close quarters with an infected person
Get Vaccinated
The most effective way to prevent meningitis is to get vaccinated against the disease. There are currently two vaccines available in the U.S. that protect against most types of bacterial meningitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting vaccinated against meningitis at age 11 or 12, followed by a booster shot at age 16 to 18. You have an increased risk of contracting meningitis between the ages of 16 and 21 and when living in close quarters with others, such as in a college dorm. If you’re headed to college and will be living in a dorm, be sure to get up to date with immunizations. The vaccine to prevent meningitis is also recommended if you’re entering the military, traveling, or planning to live in a country where bacterial meningitis is common.
Getting vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox can help prevent diseases that can lead to viral meningitis.
Don’t Share Personal Items
Meningitis can be contracted when you come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions — saliva, sputum, nasal mucus — of someone who is infected, either through kissing or sharing personal items. You can prevent the spread of meningitis by not sharing items where secretions can lurk, such as drinking glasses, water bottles, straws, silverware, toothbrushes, lipsticks or lip glosses, and cigarettes.
“Don’t drink from your friend’s soda can,” says Angela Vassallo, MPH, MS, director of infection prevention and hospital epidemiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Los Angeles and president of the greater Los Angeles chapter of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control.
Keep Your Distance From Infected People
The bacteria found in nose and throat secretions can also spread through coughing and sneezing. You could get meningitis if you’re close enough to an infected person to come in direct contact with these secretions. If someone you know has a respiratory infection, keep at least 3 feet away to stay out of the line of fire of any coughing, Vassallo says. Likewise, when you cough or sneeze, be kind to others: Bury your head in your elbow so that your spray goes into your sleeve and no further, then wash your hands. Keep in mind that bacterial meningitis isn’t that easily transmittable. You won’t get meningitis simply by breathing in the air where a sick friend or family member has been.
Wash Your Hands Vigorously
Just as with cold and flu viruses, the viruses and bacteria responsible for meningitis can get on your hands and into your mouth. You can prevent meningitis from spreading by washing your hands vigorously, especially after you use the bathroom, change a diaper, spend time in a crowded place, and cough or blow your nose. Use hot, soapy water and be sure to get both the fronts and backs of your hands and each finger. Rub your hands together for a full 20 seconds then rinse and dry them with a clean towel. “Hand sanitizers are fine, too,” Vassallo says.
Boost Your Immune System
When you get an infection, your immune system kicks in and works to fight it off. A healthy immune system can help prevent an infection from the viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis. Keep your immune system at its fighting best by eating healthy — including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins — and by getting regular exercise. Also, be sure to get the sleep you need.
Taking good care of your overall health becomes even more important if you have a chronic condition that compromises your immune system, either directly or through the medications you take to control it, Vassallo notes.
Get Prompt Treatment
If you have been in close contact with someone who has bacterial meningitis, call your doctor right away. Your health care provider can give you antibiotics to keep you from developing meningitis. They won’t help prevent meningitis from the viral type of the disease, but it’s worth seeing your health care provider and asking about your options.