Bacterial meningitis Lethal meningitis caused by meningococci

World Meningitis Day draws attention to the dangers of meningococci

Fortunately, meningococcal disease is extremely rare in Germany - there are only about five cases per million people per year, although only a few weeks ago a young girl in Hesse died as a result of severe meningitis (bacterial meningitis). On World Meningitis Day, health experts are alerting to the dangers of meningococci.

Bacteria are usually transmitted by droplet infection

Meningococci are bacteria that settle in the nasopharyngeal space of humans, where they are detectable in about ten percent of the population without any signs of clinical symptoms, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). They are most commonly transmitted as droplet infection. The bacteria are released into the air when speaking, coughing or sneezing in small droplets from the nasopharynx and can be inhaled from a short distance. Among other things, the pathogens can lead to bacterial meningitis. This is rare but dangerous. Health experts point out this on World Meningitis Day.

On World Meningitis Day, health experts are alerting to the dangers of meningococci. Bacterial meningitis (meningitis) usually affects infants and toddlers. (Image: Kaspars Grinvalds / fotolia.com)

Acute danger to life

On April 24, 2018, the tenth World Meningitis Day will take place. To mark the occasion, the nationwide campaign "Meningitis bewegt." Points out that pregnant women and parents are particularly susceptible to bacterial meningitis, which usually affects infants and toddlers.

Meningococcal meningitis is unknown to many, according to a statement, but it progresses much faster than viral meningitis.

Within 24 hours after the onset of the first symptoms, there may already be acute mortal danger. Education about the symptoms and early vaccination can protect you.

Infection often leads to blood poisoning or meningitis

Compared to other childhood diseases, the number of meningococcal cases is low. Last year, there were 278 meningococcal diseases throughout Germany.

For the affected families, however, this is no consolation. For them, a meningococcal infection often means lifelong impairment.

About one third of meningococcal cases lead to sepsis. In two thirds of the infections there is a meningitis (meningitis).

Anyone can contract a meningococcal infection. Most often, however, it affects infants in the first year of life, toddlers or adolescents.

"The incubation period is usually 3 to 4 days, but it can also be between 2 and 10 days," says the RKI.

Illness can be fatal

Despite medical treatment, meningococcal infection is fatal for up to one in ten patients. Survivors, among others, struggle with long-term consequences such as deafness, learning difficulties or other cognitive problems.

"To see a toddler fighting a meningococcal infection is a picture that you will never forget again as a doctor," explains pediatrician Dr. med. from Landwüst.

He has witnessed a meningococcal case and supports the campaign "Meningitis bewegt." As an expert.

Vaccines available

Vaccines are available against all five serogroups found in Germany - A, B, C, W135 and Y. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends vaccination against meningococcal C from the age of twelve months.

In addition, STIKO recommends a vaccination against serogroup B for persons with impaired immune function or close contact with meningococcal patients. A general recommendation is currently pending.

In the states of Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, as well as in Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Brandenburg, Thuringia and Bavaria, the meningococcal B vaccine is publicly recommended.

Many funds take over the costs

More than 60 percent of the health insurances now reimburse the costs on request. Vaccination against the comparatively rare serogroups A, W135 or Y is recommended for health hazards or when traveling in risk areas.

"If the health of the youngest is at stake, it's a big challenge for everyone," said TV presenter Shary Reeves, who is campaigning as ambassador.

In order to respond quickly to an infection, parents, grandparents and daycare staff should be able to correctly interpret symptoms of meningococcal infection such as fever, headache, nausea and neck stiffness.

The online portal "Meningitis bewegt." Offers extensive information and a handy symptom check card to download for your wallet. (Ad)