Chioma Ofoekii, a doctor, has advised that people avoid crowding and poor ventilation during the hot season to prevent meningitis.
Ms Ofoekii gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
According to her, meningitis can be infectious or non-infectious, and viruses account for the majority of the infectious type.
He said other causes of infectious meningitis include bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
He added that “in every human being, there are three protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord called the meninges. Inflammation of these membranes is called Meningitis.
“Most viral and bacterial meningitis are contagious and can spread from person to person through contact with bodily fluids such as saliva and respiratory droplets from sneezing and coughing.
“Thus, meningitis can easily spread in closed and overcrowded areas, such as schools, day care centers, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, military bases, and dormitories.”
He said that vaccines are the most effective way to protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis.
He advised people to get vaccinated and keep up with booster doses.
“This is especially important for people working in high-risk settings, children and the elderly, and when traveling to endemic areas.
“We must practice good hygiene and wash our hands frequently with soap and water and ensure adequate hydration, especially during hot and dry weather.
“Avoid smoking and cigarette smoking and also get plenty of rest and maintain a healthy diet,” he said.
According to her, common symptoms of meningitis include headache, fever, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to bright light, and confusion.
She said that certain bacteria can also be contracted through unhygienic food and after trauma.
“Some of the viral agents are seasonal viruses and there is a tendency for seasonal variations in outbreaks.
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“In Nigeria, these seasonal outbreaks are common during hot, dry and windy weather. Therefore, it is not necessarily the heat that causes meningitis.
“Any condition that encourages the easy spread of organisms from person to person, or increased access of organisms to the bloodstream can increase susceptibility to meningitis.”
(YAYA)
