sporadic cases of meningitis
12 March 2009
The national Department of Health would like to appeal to members of the
public not to panic over the sporadic cases of meningitis currently being
reported, especially in Gauteng.
The sporadic emergence of meningitis occurs annually and there has been a
steady decline of cases reported over the past few years. During the period
January to March 2008 for instance, there were 50 cases reported and of these
cases 31 were in Gauteng. During the same period in 2009 there has been a sharp
decline in cases with only 35 cases reported (with a mere 12 being in
Gauteng).
The Department of Health has systems and structures in place such as
response teams which assist in the tracing of contacts and ensuring that such
contacts get appropriate treatment.
As the situation stands at the moment, two confirmed cases have been
reported in KwaZulu-Natal and the response team in the province will be tasked
in tracing all the contacts and ensure that they get appropriate clinical care.
Contrary to reports suggesting cases in the Western Cape, the department would
like to put it in record that no such cases have been reported or confirmed. In
line with its commitment of ensuring awareness in such situations, the
department will inform members of the public of any new case(s) anywhere in the
country to enable members of the public to assist in containing any further
spread of diseases.
Members of the public are called upon to watch the following symptoms as
they relate to meningitis: severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting,
photophobia (aversion to light), phenophobia (aversion to light), neck
stiffness, confusion and bruise-like rashes on the skin.
The department would also like to re-assure members of the public that the
country's public health system is fully capable to deal with any cases that are
brought to clinical staff for treatment.
Note to editors: A brief fact-sheet on meningitis is attached for background
information.
Frequently asked questions in meningococcal meningitis
1. What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the thin membrane that surrounds and
protects the brain and the spinal cord.
There are many types of meningitis. These are:
* Bacterial meningitis: Are caused by bacteria of which there are many
types. For example meningococcal meningitis, tuberculosis (TB), haemophilus
influenza and streptococcal pneumonia.
Bacterial meningitis is the most fatal of all meningitis and can spread
easily. Of the bacterial meningitis, meningococcal meningitis is the most
serious and the one that causes outbreaks.
All bacterial meningitis is treatable when early treatment is sought.
* Viral meningitis: Are caused by viruses like HIV, mumps, herpes and
chicken pox varicella). This type of meningitis is less fatal. Not all viral
meningitis conditions are treatable, like HIV and chicken pox.
* Fungal meningitis: Are caused by fungus like cryptococus. Fungal
meningitis is treatable.
2. How do we get bacterial meningitis?
The bacteria are transmitted from person to person through droplets of
respiratory secretion and saliva. That means they would have to sneeze, laugh
or cough in a manner that releases droplets from them to another person.
However there is a small proportion of the population that have the
organisms living dormant in them and for one reason or the other, these
organisms get blown up and cause full infection. Some of the reasons include
reduced immunity, excessive drinking and smoking.
3. What are the symptoms of meningitis?
In adults and older children, the symptoms include:
*Severe headache
* fever
* nausea and vomiting
* photophobia (aversion for light)
* phonophobia (aversion for noise)
* neck stiffness
* confusion
* bruise like rashes on the skin and
* loss of consciousness
For younger children (less than two years of age), the symptoms could
include:
* fever
* irritability
* lethargy (child being drowsy and unwell)
* refusal of food
* convulsion and
* bulging fontanels
4. Who is at risk of infection?
Anybody is at risk but particularly those that come in close contact with an
infected person. More at risk are children under five years, immuno-compromised
persons, those that live in overcrowded circumstances and in rooms where there
is cigarette smoking. In addition, a dry and windy weather will exacerbate the
situation.
5. Is there any treatment for meningitis?
Treatments are available for bacterial meningitis, including for the most
serious type (meningococcal meningitis) and fungal meningitis but for viral
meningitis, there is only supportive treatment. Luckily for viral meningitis,
most recover within days without any form of specific treatment.
6. Is there any control measure in the event of any confirmed meningococcal
meningitis outbreak?
Yes, Ciprobay (Ciprofloxacin), a type of antibiotic is offered to all close
contacts of the person or persons infected. These close contacts include:
* family members within the same confine
* those who have utensils and cutleries with infected persons
* persons that infected person had kissed
* classmates of infected persons
* health practitioners that have been in serious contact with infected person,
like mouth to mouth respiration.
Note that it is only the meningococcal type of bacterial meningitis patients
that has Ciprobay given to close contacts. Others do not.
7. Is there any vaccine available for meningococcal meningitis?
Yes there are vaccines. This should be considered in community outbreaks due
to serogroup A, C, Y or W135 depending on the serogroup, age group of affected,
geographic boundaries and feasibility. Such decisions should be made after
careful assessment of all information by the full outbreak response team and in
consultation with relevant experts. The vaccines are recommended for people who
are travelling to meningitis endemic regions. South Africa is not amongst these
regions.
8. How can one prevent oneself from getting the disease or prevent the
spread of meningitis?
* avoid contact with an infected person, his/her used cutleries and
utensils
* avoid overcrowding
* basic hygienic practices like washing hands before eating
* practicing of cough etiquette, covering of mouth whilst coughing.
For more information please contact:
Fidel Hadebe
Tel: 012 312 0663
Cell: 079 517 3333
Issued by: Department of Health
12 March 2009
