What is Meningitis
Meningitis is a significant public health concern in eastern and northern Africa, with the disease being most prevalent in a region known as the “meningitis belt.” This belt extends across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east. It requires close and prolonged contact with an infected person. The bacteria are spread through respiratory droplets or throat secretions from carriers or infected individuals. This mode of transmission means that crowded places with poor hygiene and inadequate ventilation can be hotspots for the spread of the bacteria. For instance, universities, schools, and army camps are environments where young people live in close proximity, often sharing living and dining spaces.
How to prevent Meningitis
Preventing meningitis involves a combination of vaccination and good hygiene practices. The most effective way to prevent meningitis is to get the vaccine, particularly for infants, young children, teenagers, and individuals with medical conditions that make them vulnerable to the disease. Other ways include practicing good hygiene ,such as regular hand washing with soap and water, covering the mouth while coughing and sneezing and not sharing food, drink or utensils.
Potential side effects of Meningitis
About 1 in 10 people who have the vaccine will suffer some form of headache or feeling of tiredness. Approximately 1 in 100 will experience redness or rash around the injection site or cases of vomiting. 1 in 1000 will
Meningitis vaccines:
£55 (ACWY)
£120 (B)
