Six-year-old Oliver Hall died of a meningococcal infection. The bacterium attacked unexpectedly and quickly took the boy away. The tragedy could have been avoided – it was enough to give the vaccine. But the one in Great Britain is not reimbursed.
The boy died in October 2017. Now the boy’s parents are appealing to the authorities to extend the meningococcal immunization program. They posted a photo of Oliver’s last moments at the hospital. The disease took the boy less than a day.
– We were at the hospital at eight. Unfortunately, it was then that Oliver developed sepsis and septic shock, says the boy’s dad Bryan. “The disease was so quick and cruel that it took the little boy to wake up perfectly normal in less than 24 hours,” he adds.
Meningokoki, which is what?
There are many types of meningococcus. In Poland, as in the rest of Europe, meningococci B and C are mainly responsible for the incidence of IChM. Meningococcal A is often responsible for epidemics in Africa and Asia. Meningococcus less frequently causes local infections. Incidence of IChM may occur sporadically (isolated cases), in the form of outbreaks or epidemics (mainly in Africa and Asia).
In recent years, more cases of IChM have been reported in Poland (about 400 per year). The share of C meningococci, which is currently responsible for approx. 50% of cases, including epidemic outbreaks, is growing.
Transmission of meningococci is by airborne transmission when coughing, sneezing, speaking, and by direct (e.g. kissing) or indirect contact with respiratory secretions (e.g. using the same glass, smoking the same cigarette). The risk of infection is greater in closed environments (nursery, kindergarten, boarding house, dormitory, barracks) and large groups of people (discos, concerts). Infection is favored by passive and active smoking and a flu infection. A sick person or carrier in a kindergarten or school may become the source of a local epidemic.
How to recognize?
Initially, the symptoms are uncharacteristic: malaise, fever, weakness, pain in muscles and joints. Young children develop fever, unwillingness to play or eat, excessive sleepiness or irritability. Influenza or other viral infection is often diagnosed then, especially since the majority of IChM cases occur during the flu season (autumn and winter). On the other hand, haemorrhagic rash is characteristic of IChM. Dark red or bluish red bruises and papules appear in the skin, caused by bacterial embolisms in the small blood vessels of the skin. They do not disappear under pressure, which can be checked by pressing on them with the edge of a glass or other transparent object. If meningitis develops, headache, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, convulsions, and disturbed consciousness appear.
Such a patient should be taken to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. IChM is treated with intravenous antibiotics, which is always done in a hospital, often in an intensive care unit.
In some patients, the course of IChM is very rapid and electrifying. Sometimes, despite the quick initiation of the appropriate treatment, it is not possible to save the patient. Mortality in IChM is approx. 10%. In some patients (about 20%) who have recovered, permanent consequences are observed – hearing loss, neurological symptoms, sometimes limb amputation is necessary due to necrotic changes.
How to avoid the disease?
The risk of meningococcal infection can be reduced by following basic hygiene measures and avoiding certain behaviors (e.g. drinking from the same glass or smoking the same cigarette). Some meningococcal infections can be successfully prevented by immunization. In Poland, vaccinations against meningococcus are on the list of recommended vaccinations, which means that they are neither compulsory nor reimbursed. One dose of the vaccine costs about PLN 140-170 in our country. Medonet editorial team