man dies from infection in Martinique

Bacterial meningitis killed one person in Martinique. Friday January 17, a paramedic died from this rare disease. “Meningitis is a bacterial disease that results in high fever, headache, nausea and vomiting as well as a stiff neck. Transmission is airborne, through secretions when coughing.recalls the Regional Health Agency in a press release. She launched various actions to prevent the spread of the pathology.

Bacterial meningitis: a pathology that can be serious

Several bacteria can be responsible for this form of meningitis, including H. influenzae, N. meningitis, and S. pneumoniae. “After a local, respiratory or ENT infection (angina, otitis, sinusitis, etc.), bacteria can end up in the blood and possibly cross the blood-brain barrier to infect the cerebrospinal fluid, which leads to edema and meningeal inflammationexplains the Pasteur Institute. The disease is treated with antibiotics for several days. According to the Pasteur Institute, one in five people may have lasting after-effects.

Martinique: what are the risks of spreading bacterial meningitis?

“When a case of invasive meningococcal infection (IIM) occurs, there is a risk of transmission for people who have been directly and prolonged exposed to the nasopharyngeal secretions of the sick person in the ten days preceding the occurrence of IIM (maximum duration of the incubation period), warns the ARS of Martinique. Contagiousness is low and mainly concerns people who have had close contact, in family and in the community.”

Measures to limit the spread of bacterial meningitis in Martinique

The ARS of Martinique has put in place several preventive measures to avoid an increase in cases. First, an epidemiological investigation was carried out in order to identify contact cases, by tracing the different interactions of the patient in the ten days preceding his infection. Depending on the people and their situation, medical consultations were carried out. “Medical monitoring is provided for contact persons in order to quickly detect any symptoms and prescribe preventive antibiotic treatment.completes the ARS.

At the same time, health professionals and health establishments were contacted in order to take the necessary measures to monitor possible cases. “The ARS continues to monitor this situation with the greatest attention in conjunction with health establishments and professionals in order to quickly take measures adapted to the context and provide information as the investigations progress.underlines the organization.