Meningitis cases, PHI: Beware of signs of the disease, cases are sporadic

The emergence of the second case of meningitis within a few weeks in the city of Durrës has alarmed the population and parents in particular.

The 14-year-old boy urgently brought to the infectious disease service at the University Hospital was found to be infected with the bacterium Neisseria Meningitis, which causes meningitis.  

Although doctors speak of a slight improvement in his condition, they still cannot say whether he is out of danger. According to the Institute of Public Health, the 14-year-old is affected by an aggressive form of meningitis, although according to them, this case has no epidemiological link to the 17-year-old from Durrës who lost his life from this disease in December.

But the parents of students at the "Eftali Koci" school, where the meningitis case was confirmed, are refusing to send their children to school.

Eugena Tomini, director of the Institute of Public Health, says that 30% of individuals are carriers of the meningitis bacterium. Even if they do not show symptoms, they can transmit it to other people.  

But how do we recognize the signs of meningitis in this virus-laden period?

Meningitis is caused by several forms of the bacteria, but the most serious and life-threatening are subtypes B and W135.

Many European countries have addressed the risk of meningitis through a vaccine administered after the age of two.

Albania does not have it on its mandatory vaccination calendar, although it has long been mandated by the Institute of Public Health.

Although at a high cost, some parents have obtained it privately on the pharmaceutical market within or outside the country. (A2 Televizion)