Kakaire A. Kirunda, Mbale
Daily Monitor, Eastern Special
January 30, 2006
When Paul Wambaka of Mbale developed a fever and headache three days after coming into contact with a friend from Nakapiripirit district, he was worried.
Wambaka thought his friend had passed on meningitis to him though he did not have proof.
Wambaka was relieved from a medical test came out negative putting to rest his worries.
Such is the panic looming around in most districts in the east following an outbreak of meningitis this month.
Following confirmation of the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has since confirmed 11 people dead, 142 infected and dispatched a team of experts to Nakapiripirit to monitor and evaluate the situation.
Vaccine Shortage
But a January 26 statement from the World Health Organization said the outbreak has affect 175 people in Uganda. The UN agency also estimated that more than 200,000 vaccine doses are needed to immunise another 133,000 Ugandans.
The statement further said the health agency was working with the UN Children's Fund (Unicef) and the government to increase community awareness in the affected district as well as in the nearby Kitchum and Moroto district to persuade people there to make quick referrals of suspected cases to designated medical centres.
The districts of Sironko, Mbale, Kumi and Kapchorwa have also been advised to take caution.
According to WHO, meningitis is an inflammation of the brain lining, or meninges, which can cause serious disability or death. Either bacteria or a virus usually causes meningitis, though a small number of cases can be caused by fungal infection.
Meningitis caused by bacteria tends to be more serious. But there are two types of bacterial form of the disease: meningococcal and pneumonococal, according to the world health body.
A brief from WHO on the disease says the most common symptoms are a stiff neck, high fever, and sensitivity to light.
Others are confusion, headaches and vomiting.
The patient may also develop a red rash, which looks like red pinpricks, and which may develop into purple bruises, blood blisters or blood spots.
"Even when the disease is diagnosed early and adequate therapy instituted, 5 to 10 percent of patients die, typically within 24-48 hours of onset of symptoms," the brief says.
It adds that bacterial meningitis may result in brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disability in 10-20 percent of survivors.
Prevention
In addition to WHO guidelines many other organisations geared at fighting meningitis like the worldwide Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) offer a way out.
It is important to know that some types of meningitis are contagious. One may be exposed to the bacteria when someone with meningitis coughs or sneezes.
The bacteria can also spread through kissing or sharing eating utensils, a toothbrush or a cigarette. One is also at increased risk if they live or work with someone with the disease.
Avoiding exposure to the viruses that cause meningitis can also reduce risk of contracting meningitis. This means avoiding exposure to upper respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
Also, pregnant women can reduce their risk of listeriosis by cooking meat thoroughly and avoiding cheeses made from unpasteurized milk.
Careful hand washing may be one of the best ways to stay well. One is urged to boost his immunity by getting enough rest, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
