The Hindu : New Delhi News : Precaution best method to contain meningitis

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006

New Delhi

New Delhi

Precaution best method to contain meningitis

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Warning against mass use of vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis, doctors in the Capital have asserted that precaution and early treatment are the best methods to contain the disease. They said only health care providers should be vaccinated as a precautionary measure. According to figures released by MCD's Health Department, between Decembers 5 last and March 15 the virus claimed 23 lives while 420 people were reportedly affected.

While the number of cases coming in with the virus continue to be on the rise in the city, what is worrying doctors is the fact that addresses of 60 patients who previously reported in with meningococcal meningitis are not recorded or known.

"This increases the chances of these patients spreading the virus to others who come in close contact in the absence of proper follow-up treatment for them," said Indian Medical Association member Vinay Aggarwal.

The largest number of meningococcal meningitis cases have been reported from Central Delhi, Sadar Paharganj and Karol Bagh areas.

Meningococcal meningitis spreads through droplet infection and at risk are those in close contact with patients.

"The disease has not taken the form of an epidemic and people should not panic. Though cases are being reported regularly by several hospitals, the situation is absolutely under control. The Delhi Medical Association has issued guidelines to doctors and is engaged in warning the general public against misuse of vaccinations," said Delhi Medical Association president K.K. Aggarwal

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