Doctor Recommends Ventilation To Prevent Meningitis

A general medical prac
titioner, Dr Abiola Ajala, has advised Nigerians to always ensure proper ventilation of their homes and be hygienic to prevent meningitis.
Ajala of Optimal Children Clinic in Akerele area of Lagos, gave this advice in an interview in Lagos recently.
Ajala said, “Meningitis is a bacterial or viral infection that causes inflammation of the spinal cord and brain. “These bacteria or viruses that cause meningitis can spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing things like cutlery, toothbrush and cigarette.
“It can also be spread by not washing hands before food preparation, touching your hands to your nose and mouth, and re-using tissues,” she said.
According to her, meningitis spreads most easily in overcrowded and poorly ventilated rooms, adding that, “Staying in overcrowded and poorly ventilated rooms increases the risk of having an outbreak of meningitis. “This occurs because the bacteria that cause meningitis is spread by the respiratory route and tend to spread quickly wherever there was a large group of people.
“Keeping the homes properly ventilated is important to prevent an outbreak of meningitis, especially in homes where there are children because the children are more susceptible. “Children under the age of five should be immunised against Haemophilus Influenza ‘B’ (HIB) to limit the risk of meningitis. “Adults should maintain proper hygiene like hand washing before food preparation, after using toilets and children should also be taught same,” she added.
Ajala said that symptoms of meningitis include severe headache, stiff neck, fever and diarrhoea.
“Generally, the early symptoms of meningitis are similar to those of many other conditions, including severe headache, fever and vomiting. “Other symptoms include stiff neck, diarrhoea, drowsiness, confusion, light sensitivity and rapid breathing,” she said.
According to her, untreated meningitis can lead to severe complications and death. She advised people to visit a medical practitioner if they noticed any of the symptoms.