Gert van der Hoek
In Memoriam - Editor, Senior Moderator
MCD tense over 75 meningitis cases
22 Nov 2007
NEW DELHI: The MCD has taken note of the alarming rate at which cases of meningococcal meningitis are being reported in the Capital.
So far, 75 confirmed cases and 276 probable cases of meningitis have been reported in the Capital, prompting the MCD to take early steps to combat the spread of the disease.
"Meningococcal meningitis spreads at a rapid rate in winter months and it's essential to take early precautions. The MCD is going to start an awareness campaign by advertising in the newspapers. We will also provide medicines to the families of those who fall prey to the disease," said MCD health officer, N K Yadav.
Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes covering the central nervous system. It is a severe bacterial infection that mostly affects children. Meningitis is usually difficult to diagnose as its symptoms are dependent on which part of the body the bacteria invades.
While the symptoms differ, doctors warn that high fever, rashes and headache should immediately be tested for meningococcal meningitis. Other symptoms could be stiff neck, nausea and photophobia or sensitivity to light.
It's essential to diagnose the disease early as the chances of it turning fatal in later stages are extremely high. Meningitis usually turns fatal due to inflammation of the spinal cord and brain which control the functioning of the body.
While a bacteria is not always the cause of meningitis, it is however, the most common cause and needs to be treated as a medical emergency. Anti-biotics and close observation are needed for those who have been diagnosed with the disease.
Even if meningitis doesn't result in death, it can lead to permanent and serious damage to the nervous system.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Delhi/MCD_tense_over_75_meningitiscases/articleshow/2560241.cms
22 Nov 2007
NEW DELHI: The MCD has taken note of the alarming rate at which cases of meningococcal meningitis are being reported in the Capital.
So far, 75 confirmed cases and 276 probable cases of meningitis have been reported in the Capital, prompting the MCD to take early steps to combat the spread of the disease.
"Meningococcal meningitis spreads at a rapid rate in winter months and it's essential to take early precautions. The MCD is going to start an awareness campaign by advertising in the newspapers. We will also provide medicines to the families of those who fall prey to the disease," said MCD health officer, N K Yadav.
Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes covering the central nervous system. It is a severe bacterial infection that mostly affects children. Meningitis is usually difficult to diagnose as its symptoms are dependent on which part of the body the bacteria invades.
While the symptoms differ, doctors warn that high fever, rashes and headache should immediately be tested for meningococcal meningitis. Other symptoms could be stiff neck, nausea and photophobia or sensitivity to light.
It's essential to diagnose the disease early as the chances of it turning fatal in later stages are extremely high. Meningitis usually turns fatal due to inflammation of the spinal cord and brain which control the functioning of the body.
While a bacteria is not always the cause of meningitis, it is however, the most common cause and needs to be treated as a medical emergency. Anti-biotics and close observation are needed for those who have been diagnosed with the disease.
Even if meningitis doesn't result in death, it can lead to permanent and serious damage to the nervous system.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Delhi/MCD_tense_over_75_meningitiscases/articleshow/2560241.cms