World Meningitis Day will be observed on April 24 - and the focus will be on understanding more about the disease and its treatment Pediatricians in the city have drawn the attention of parents to a little-known but dangerous disease on the occasion of the World Meningitis Day on April 24. The World Meningitis Day is sponsored by the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations which brings together associations from all over the world dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of meningitis and the benefits of vaccination in preventing avoidable deaths from this disease. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain, caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral meningitis generally clears up without requiring specific treatment. Bacterial meningitis is a far more serious infection that can cause severe brain damage and, if untreated, can lead to death in half of all cases.

Even with prompt, appropriate treatment, the consequences of bacterial meningitis can be extremely severe. Those who survive often suffer from mental retardation, epilepsy and deafness. Meningitis can strike with little or no warning, but knowing the symptoms and acting fast can save lives. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis include sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright light, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. “Children are at the greatest risk,” says Dr Sharad Agharkhedkar, former president of the city unit of Indian Medical Association

In the early stages of meningitis, these symptoms can be mistaken for less severe diseases, thereby delaying diagnosis and treatment. The consequences of delayed treatment can be profound, increasing the risk of complications. Vaccines are available in India to protect those at risk against certain types of bacterial meningitis like 'Haemophilus influenza type b' (Hib). However, since the introduction of Hib vaccine, meningitis due to these bacteria is now uncommon in developed countries.