The epidemic of meningitis in SP comes on alert. Find out how to protect children

Cases of type C bacterial disease in some neighborhoods have attracted the attention of health agencies. Find out who can be vaccinated and where immunization is offered

After five cases of Meningococcal meningitis of the same type C. being registered in the districts of Vila Formosa and Aricanduva, in the east of the city of Sao Paulo, the municipal health department has stepped up vaccination in the affected region. In the last 15 days, 8,455 people between the ages of three months and 64 years have been immunized.

It is worth mentioning it is considered an outbreak of meningococcal disease when three or more cases occur in the same location within 90 dayswhat happened in the area in question: a 2 month old baby and four adults were infected. Among them, a 42-year-old woman died of the disease.

In 2022 alone, this is the third time there has been an outbreak of meningitis C in São Paulo – the other two were in Jardim São Luís and in the Pari region.

Main symptoms of type C meningitis

Since the first signs of the disease can easily be confused with those of the flu, such as high fever, prostration and fatigueYou need to be very careful when living in a region affected by outbreaks, as a quick start of treatment can make all the difference.

According to pediatrician Paulo Telles, a member of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, the most characteristic symptoms of the infection are “severe headache, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, skin spots, drowsiness or mental confusion, irritability and photophobia (sensitivity to light) “.

Possible complications of the disease

Even according to the specialist, this type of bacterial meningitis can progress seriously, especially when treatment is not started quickly. “The main complications are those affect the central nervous system, causing brain changes, deafness, motor paralysis, epilepsy, learning difficulties, and limb amputation“, details Telles, who also points out that the disease can lead to death.

This is why prevention is so essential, and The best way to avoid contagion is vaccination. Furthermore, resuming the use of masks in epidemic regions is important to keep pathogenic germs away. This is what the infectologist Aline Scarabelli explains: «Taking into account the way the disease is transmitted, such as coughing and sneezing, The use of the mask is essential, as it helps protect the mouth and nose. Avoiding contact, washing hands often and having healthy habits are other forms of prevention. “

Immunization program against meningitis

According to the national vaccination calendar, Children should be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis C in two doses (at 3 and 5 months) and then with a booster (at 12 months). The minimum interval between applications is 30 days between the first and the second and 60 days between the second and the booster. Specialists also recommend a second booster dose, between the ages of 5 and 6, but it is not offered by the Unified Health System.

Furthermore, currently, young people between 11 and 14 years old can be immunized in the public network against meningococcal meningitis ACWY (more complete than other serogroups and available for all ages in the private network).

Aline Scarabelli underlines this vaccination is essential and highlights those who are most vulnerable to meningococcal meningitis: “People with a weak immune system, an incomplete vaccination schedule or children under 1 year of age and between 16 and 21 are considered risk groups,” he warns.

Vaccination in outbreak areas

When an outbreak is identified, the Municipal Health Department promotes vaccination to contain the spread of the disease; currently, in the East Zone of San Paolo, Immunization takes place in four basic health units:

• UBS Formosa II
• Outpatient Medical Assistance (AMA) / UBS Integrada Guarani
• UBS Jardim VAT
• UBS commander José Gonzalez

To get the vaccine, you must have it aged between three months and 64 years and present a document of residence in the region (after all, the action is to contain the epidemic in that location). For those who work nearby, just present proof of employment.

“According to data from DataSUS, from the Ministry of Health, vaccination coverage against meningococcal meningitis C is currently 42.5% in the capital Sao Paulo and 52% throughout the national territory. In 2015 both were 98%. Therefore, both were 98%. , it is essential to keep the vaccination register up to date. Everyone in the outbreak area should search for the nearest place and update the vaccine“, concludes pediatrician Paulo Telles.

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Source: Terra

Benjamin

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