Next we describe how to prevent meningococcal meningitis from spreading in a community. The most important preventive and control methods are summarised in the box below.

Strategies to prevent and control meningitis

  • Early identification and prompt treatment of cases in the health facility and in the community.
  • Education of people in the community on the symptoms of meningitis, the mode of transmission and the treatment of the disease.
  • Reporting any cases of meningitis; and avoiding close contact with the sick persons. Your health education messages should tell everyone about this.
  • Vaccination against meningococcus bacteria of types A, C, Y and W135.

A mass immunization campaign that reaches at least 80% of the entire population with meningococcus vaccines can prevent an epidemic. However, these vaccines are not effective in young children and infants, and they only provide protection for a limited time, especially in children younger than two years old. A single case of meningitis could be a warning sign for the start of an epidemic. As a health professional, you will need to educate your community about the symptoms of meningitis and how it is transmitted. All cases should be reported.

Last modified: Thursday, 17 July 2014, 5:31 PM