An inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord is known as meningitis. The swelling is typically brought on by a bacterial or viral infection of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It’s a potentially fatal illness that can leave a patient permanently disabled or dead in a matter of hours. Meningitis can also be brought on by infections, cancer, certain medications, and injuries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that meningitis remains a serious worldwide public health concern, accounting for up to 5 million cases annually, including new strain epidemics that travel across national borders.
There are various types of meningitis, which include amebic, bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic forms of the disease. Understanding the precise cause of meningitis is crucial because different causes require different courses of treatment.
Meningitis can affect people of any age and can be fatal in a matter of hours, leaving a victim permanently disabled. One of the main causes of neurological impairment that can last a lifetime is meningitis.
Meningitis symptoms:
Meningitis symptoms can include a stiff neck, fever, light sensitivity, headaches, vomiting, rash, seizures, and confusion.
In babies: They could be droopy and unresponsive, with a protruding fontanelle (soft spot).
World Meningitis Day: Date
Originally observed on April 24 each year, World Meningitis Day was moved to October 5 in 2022 to accommodate a larger number of participants. This was made possible by the 27th World Health Assembly’s approval of the first-ever resolution on meningitis prevention and control as well as the global road map Defeating Meningitis by 2030.
World Meningitis Day: History
Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine (c. 460–370 B.C.), observed inflammation of the brain’s lining and was the first to speculate that it might be meningitis. In 1661, Thomas Willis (1621–1675) became the first to document cases of “inflammation of the meninges with a constant fever.”
In 2004, the world’s first conference of meningitis organizations took place. The Confederation of Meningitis Organizations (CoMO) was established as a result of the conference. 2009 saw the establishment of World Meningitis Day under the auspices of CoMo. CoMO has been in charge of organizing the World Meningitis Day campaign each year since 2009.
“By improving disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment, disease monitoring, health advocacy, support, and aftercare, the World Health Organization’s Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030 is expected to save up to 200,000 lives annually and significantly reduce disabilities caused by meningitis. The goal of improved illness monitoring, diagnosis, treatment, support, and aftercare has been embraced by nations all over the world. By working together, we can bring this about by 2030, as stated on the Confederation of Meningitis Organizations’ official website.
World Meningitis Day: Significance
Meningitis Day celebrations contribute to raising awareness of the illness. People in the general public become aware of the illness and death rate. We have the chance to collect funds on this day to help patients with meningitis. Various health organizations come together on this day to discuss preventative measures.
Observing this day fosters compassion and understanding for patients and their journey through various stages, in addition to encouraging people to take annual physicals and seriously consider their health issues.
