📩 25/09/2023 12:36
Specialist from Memorial Şişli Hospital, Department of Child Health and Diseases. Dr. Utkucan Uçkun gave information about meningococcal infection and its treatment. Uçkun said, “Neisseria meningitidis is a type of bacteria that can cause meningitis (inflammation of the brain membrane) or bloodstream infection (septicemia). It can also cause pneumonia, eye infection (conjunctivitis), joint inflammation (septic arthritis) and inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis). “There are different types of meningococcus.” he said and pointed out the following:
“Groups B, C and recently W are the types that are common in our country. Group A is particularly problematic for Sub-Saharan Africa and Saudi Arabia. "Y, 29E and Z groups are rare."
"Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are vital"
Specialist points out that although the first symptoms of meningococcal infection resemble a severe flu, the situation can worsen very quickly. Dr. Utkucan Uçkun underlined that early diagnosis and timely antibiotic treatment are vital.
Other symptoms that may be seen in meningococcal infections. Dr. Utkucan Uçkun listed it as follows:
"Severe headache, nausea and/or vomiting, neck stiffness, muscle and joint pain, high fever, cold hands and feet, feeling dizzy or unable to be aroused, mottled appearance on the skin, rash that does not fade with pressure."
"Vaccination is also recommended for young people who have never been vaccinated."
Upset. Dr. Utkucan Uçkun said, “Meningococcal infection can affect anyone, but there is an increased risk in children under 1 years of age, especially babies under 5 year of age, and children between 15-19 years of age. In our country, vaccines that provide protection against group B and groups A, C, W and Y are administered. The vaccine that provides protection against group B meningococcus can be administered at the earliest when the baby is 8 weeks old. Vaccines that provide protection against group A, C, W and Y meningococci vary depending on the brand, but they can be administered at the earliest when the baby is 6 weeks old. The timing and number of doses of vaccinations may vary depending on the age at which vaccination begins. If the vaccine has never been administered before, it is also recommended before starting university, because the risk of contracting meningococcal infection increases during the first year of university, as young people may come into contact with people from different geographies. Information about the number and intervals of doses must be obtained from the pediatrician.” He made a statement.
"The risk of allergy and side effects is low"
Stating that most of the time, there will be no side effects after the meningococcal vaccine. Dr. Utkucan Uçkun said, “Side effects such as allergy are very rare. After vaccination, babies may experience mild fever, diarrhea or restlessness for a short time. Mild swelling, pain and redness may occur in the injection area. Headaches and muscle aches that may disappear on their own in a short time may be observed in some children. None of these side effects are serious and will resolve in a short time. "Since mildly high fever is more common in the first 24 hours after the vaccine that provides protection against group B meningococcus, especially in babies between 8 and 16 weeks of age, paracetamol-containing antipyretics may be recommended by your pediatrician after the vaccine dose." he said.