Ministry of Health Warns of Rise in Meningitis Cases
The Ministry of Health of the Nation has issued a warning in its latest Epidemiological Bulletin about the escalating cases of meningitis. This concerning trend is closely linked to another phenomenon that has gained strength since the pandemic: the decline in vaccination schemes.
Meningitis is a central nervous system disease characterized by inflammation of the meninges, with or without involvement of adjacent structures such as the brain. In children under 1 year old, symptoms may include hypothermia or fever, irritability, lethargy, seizures, altered sleep patterns, persistent crying, refusal to eat, or even septic shock.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that meningitis can be caused by both infectious and non-infectious factors, but bacterial and viral infections are the most frequent and significant from a public health perspective. In the pre-vaccination era, infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and Neisseria meningitidis were responsible for most cases of acute bacterial meningitis. However, the incidence of invasive infections by these germs has significantly decreased in recent years, especially after the introduction of their respective vaccines to the National Calendar.
Unfortunately, these infections are now making a comeback, particularly in the pediatric population, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates and the possibility of long-term disabilities.
In 2022, there were 237 reported cases of meningitis, with 141 cases caused by pneumococcus, 40 cases caused by influenza type B, and 56 cases caused by invasive meningococcus. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years. The low vaccination coverage in recent years has contributed to the accumulation of susceptible individuals, creating favorable conditions for the reemergence and outbreaks of this disease.
The incidence rate of meningitis in 2022 was the highest since 2015, although still lower than the peak in 2011. The Ministry of Health launched a specific campaign last year to address the decline in vaccination rates, focusing on the pediatric population and adults over 45 years of age, who are also at risk.
The majority of cases (67%) were concentrated in the provinces of Buenos Aires, CABA, Chaco, Córdoba, and Santa Fe. La Pampa, Chaco, and Tierra del Fuego reported the highest incidence rates, exceeding 1 case per 100,000 inhabitants.
The case fatality rate of pneumococcal meningitis in 2022 was the highest in recent years, indicating the severity of the disease. Vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b are available free of charge and are mandatory in the National Vaccination Calendar. The Ministry of Health recommends the conjugated tetravalent vaccine (ACYW) for meningococcal vaccination and the 13-valent conjugate vaccine for pneumococcal vaccination.
It is crucial for the population to adhere to the vaccination schedule, especially for children under 1 year of age, who are most affected by meningitis. The Ministry of Health highlights the importance of the 3-month dose of meningococcal vaccine, which had the highest coverage in 2022.
The rise in meningitis cases is not unique to Argentina but is a global trend following the decline in post-pandemic vaccination rates. It is essential for individuals to prioritize their vaccination and protect themselves and their communities from this potentially life-threatening disease.
meningitis treatment
Is rise in meningitis cases is a cause for concern as it indicates a potential resurgence of the disease. The Ministry of Health attributes this increase to the decline in vaccination rates, which has been observed during the pandemic.
Meningitis is a serious central nervous system disease characterized by inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by both infectious and non-infectious factors, with bacterial and viral infections being the most common. In the past, infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and Neisseria meningitidis were responsible for the majority of cases of acute bacterial meningitis. However, the introduction of vaccines for these pathogens has led to a significant decrease in their incidence.
The Ministry of Health highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing meningitis. Vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and Neisseria meningitidis are included in the National Calendar, which ensures that children receive the recommended immunizations. However, the decline in vaccination rates has contributed to the resurgence of these infections, particularly among the pediatric population.
In 2022, there were 237 reported cases of meningitis in the country. Pneumococcus was responsible for 141 cases, influenza type B for 40 cases, and invasive meningococcus for 56 cases. These numbers indicate a worrisome increase in the number of cases compared to previous years.
Meningitis can have severe consequences, including high morbidity and mortality rates and the possibility of long-term disabilities. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and to encourage individuals, especially parents and caregivers, to ensure that all recommended immunizations are up to date.
The Ministry of Health’s warning serves as a reminder of the need to prioritize vaccination efforts and to maintain high vaccination coverage rates to prevent the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases like meningitis. By staying informed and following the recommended vaccination schedules, we can protect ourselves and our communities from this potentially devastating disease.
