Mojca Jarc Sojč
WORLD MENINGITIS DAY
World Meningitis Day, celebrated on October 5 each year, raises awareness about this disease, which unfortunately has a high mortality rate. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 6 people who contract bacterial meningitis die. Therefore, meningitis continues to pose a significant global public health challenge, partly due to the emergence of new strains that spread among countries and across the world.
Meningitis can affect anyone at any age – it can be fatal within hours and lead to permanent disability. The most vulnerable groups include newborns, infants, and children, as well as older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of meningitis may include a stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion and drowsiness, headaches, vomiting, rash, and seizures. In infants, one might also observe a bulging fontanelle, increased sleepiness, and decreased responsiveness. Not all symptoms necessarily appear with an infection, as they depend on various factors.
Meningitis is classified as an urgent health condition where prompt action is crucial for saving lives and preventing long-term consequences of the disease.
At Mikro+Polo, we recognize the importance of rapid diagnostics in treating meningitis. For over 30 years, we have collaborated with bioMérieux and utilized their – Meningitis/ Encephalitis panel , which allows for the detection of pathogens in approximately one hour.
The most effective and safest protection is through vaccination. In Slovenia, vaccines are available against Haemophilus, meningococcal, and pneumococcal meningitis. More information can be found on the website of the National Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia.
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