Meningitis is a devastating disease that can quickly lead to death. Vaccination is the main way to fight the disease
Brazil recorded 886 deaths from meningitis in 2023. In the first seven months of the year, several deaths were recorded in the country, notably in the state of Ceará, where 17 people died as of July 6.
Meningitis is an inflammatory disease of the membranes (meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord. This condition can be caused by viral, bacterial or fungal infections. However, the bacterial form is the most serious and can lead to serious complications, such as permanent neurological damage or even death, if treatment is not carried out promptly.
“Babies and young children are at greater risk of contagion, as they develop their immune system. In addition, people with chronic illnesses or immunosuppressive treatments are also more prone to infections,” warns cardiologist Fábio Argenta.
To fight against the disease, we must also fight against misinformation on the subject. The doctor thus clarifies certain myths and truths concerning meningitis.
Meningitis is always contagious
Myth. “First of all, we must understand that there are three types of contagion: viral, for example, is generally less serious; bacterial, more serious, can be contagious, depending on the type of bacteria involved, and fungal, which is neither infectious nor contagious,” explains Argenta.
Person-to-person transmission occurs through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions, through sneezing, coughing, sharing utensils and kissing, for example.
Meningitis does not always cause symptoms immediately after infection
TRUE. Manifestations of the disease can develop quickly, over a few hours, or more slowly, over several days. It depends on the type of strain and the general health of the infected person. Despite this, general symptoms include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting.
All meningitis vaccines protect against all forms of the disease
Myth. There are different types of immunizers for each strain. There is no single vaccine that protects against all forms of the disease. “It is important to emphasize that the protection offered by the vaccine is not for life. This is why booster doses are important and should not be forgotten,” explains Fábio.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection. The recommendation concerns seven vaccines available through the Unified Health System (SUS).
Having meningitis once does not mean the person is immune
TRUE. “As this disease can be caused by several different pathogens, a person with bacterial meningitis caused by a specific strain is not protected against other viral or fungal strains,” explains the expert.
Only children can get meningitis
Myth. People of all ages can get the disease, especially people with weakened immune systems.
Home remedies cannot treat meningitis
TRUE. This pathology is a serious pathology that requires professional treatment. “Bacterial infections, in particular, require intravenous antibiotics and may require hospitalization. Viral infections may be more focused on alleviating symptoms, but still require medical supervision,” the doctor warns.
Meningitis is a rare disease and you should not worry.
Myth. Although the incidence of the disease has decreased in some areas due to vaccination, it remains a significant public health problem in many parts of the world.
“Unraveling the myths and understanding the truths about meningitis is essential for prevention and effective treatment. Therefore, information will always be an important weapon in the fight against this and other infectious diseases,” concludes the cardiologist.
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