Health
THE Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, joins the global community to commemorate the 2021 World Meningitis Day as a solidarity call to #DefeatMeningitis.
The highest burden of the disease globally occurs in the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa, cutting across the 26 states in northern Nigeria.
“Meningitis is a race against time due to its high mortality and morbidity rate; 50% of untreated meninigits cases end in death,” the NCDC said in a statement.
According to the NCDC, the disease is both predictable and preventable, however, not all strains of meningitis are vaccine preventable, so being able to recognise the symptoms and respond early is critical.
“When someone has meningitis, it is important to act fast. Unfortunately, not many people know about the disease and the symptoms can be easily confused with other diseases like malaria or even COVID-19.
“Meningitis often leaves survivors with debilitating long-term effects such as temporary or permanent deafness, loss of vision, seizures etc., yet the COVID-19 pandemic could be shielding public attention from this deadly killer.
“Meningitis is a disease that requires a whole-of-society response for effective prevention and response to outbreaks, therefore everyone has a role to play,” it added.
– Apr.24, 2021 @ 14:33 GMT |
Tags: NCDC joins global community to celebrate 2021 World Meningitis Day
