#DEFEATMENINGITIS

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. The disease can take a loved one’s life in fewer than 24 hours.

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is caused by a bacterium that can lead to more serious manifestations, including meningitis and septic shock. Although uncommon in South Africa, IMD is a devastating illness that largely affects young children. If left untreated, severe long-term consequences can include deafness and brain damage leading to severe cognitive and functional problems, and in the case of septic shock, can include limb amputations.

“When someone has IMD, the most important thing is to act fast,” warns Dr Nasiha Soofie, medical head at Sanofi Pasteur Vaccines. “Any delay in diagnosis and treatment claims lives and leaves many others with serious lifelong after-effects.” Unfortunately, not many people are aware of the disease, and symptoms can be confused with those of other diseases like the flu, malaria or Covid-19.

The best way to protect your family is to make sure they are vaccinated. The meningococcal conjugate vaccine protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria and is recommended for all infants and children. The vaccine can be given along with other childhood immunisations, and can also be used during pregnancy after first having a risk assessment and consultation with a healthcare professional.