Hot Summer Heat: Understanding the Risks and Prevention of Meningitis

During the hot season, meningitis is a significant health concern, and it can be caused by several pathogens. However, pneumococcus, meningococcus, and Hib are among the most common culprits. Fortunately, vaccines are available that can prevent this infection with over 90% effectiveness. According to Dr. Tran Huynh Tan, Medical Manager of VNVC Vaccination System, meningitis can occur throughout the year but increases during the hot season due to favorable conditions for pathogen growth and reduced resistance to disease.

Meningitis is a severe central nervous system infection that can result in death or severe sequelae. Bacterial meningitis caused by pneumococcus, meningococcus, and Hib bacteria are particularly dangerous and can lead to death within 24 hours if left untreated. These pathogens have effective vaccines available starting from 2-month-old children to adults. Pneumococcal meningitis has a high mortality rate and can cause severe sequelae like deafness, blindness, paralysis, epilepsy, mental retardation, poor memory, and persistent headaches. In Vietnam, pneumococcus is the leading cause of meningitis.

Vaccination is an active prevention measure for pneumococcal meningitis and its complications with up to 97% effectiveness. It helps reduce hospitalization rates, shorten treatment time and lower medical costs compared to non-vaccinated groups. Vaccines also aid in reducing the percentage of healthy people carrying the infection and limit the spread of pneumococcal infection in the community. Meningococcus causes sudden onset symptoms like fever, severe headache