British scientists have developed a vaccine for meningococcal B meningitis, reported the Medical News portal.
The vaccine has been tested on 800 meningococcal strains from all over Europe. Tests have shown its effectiveness in over 77%. So far, there has been no vaccine for this form of meningitis that works properly and does not cause serious side effects.
Meningococcal meningitis is spread by airborne droplets and mainly affects children up to 5 years of age and young people 16-28 years of age. Symptoms include pains in the throat and headache, fever, a stiff neck and vomiting, and a blood red rash on the body.
In the UK, 1200 cases of meningococcal B meningitis have been reported annually. European statistics are estimated at around 6-7 thousand. cases of this disease every year.
Mortality is quite high and the reason is the rapid course of the disease. In extreme cases, it can cause death within four hours. One day it can become severe, leading to a coma. As much as 22 percent. sick, usually children, experience permanent health loss, incl. blindness, brain dysfunction or deafness.
The vaccine will now be included in the EU drug registration program (PAP).