First Domestic Confirmed Case of Epidemic Meningitis Reported: Public Urged to Prioritize Respiratory Hygiene and Seek Prompt Medical Attention for Suspected Symptoms
- Tempat:臺灣
- Tanggal Rilis:
- Tanggal Revisi:2024/03/29
- Jumlah Pembacaan:17
The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported the first case of endemic meningitis in the country in 2024. The patient, a 4-year-old girl residing in northern Taiwan, exhibited symptoms of respiratory distress, including coughing and nasal congestion, in early March 2024. Over the following week, her condition deteriorated, manifesting symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and general weakness. Despite seeking medical attention at multiple clinics, her symptoms persisted. On March 15th, the hospital reported the case, and subsequent laboratory tests confirmed the diagnosis of epidemic meningitis. As of now, the patient’s condition remains stable.
According to the CDC, the main transmission route of epidemic meningitis is through contact with the throat and nasal secretions or droplets of infected individuals or carriers. Effective transmission of meningitis typically occurs through close or prolonged contact. It’s worth noting that healthy individuals may carry the bacteria in their nasal and throat areas without displaying any symptoms, and only a small percentage of carriers will go on to develop invasive disease. Individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of infection. The incubation period is approximately 2 to 10 days, with main symptoms including fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and hemorrhagic rashes. Sometimes symptoms such as confusion, coma, and even shock and death may occur in severe cases, requiring prompt antibiotic treatment. In infants under 1 year old, clinical symptoms may be atypical and less noticeable, often limited to fever and vomiting. Restlessness, crying, feeding difficulties, and a bulging fontanelle may also occur, but typical symptoms of meningitis such as neck stiffness may not always be present.
The CDC emphasizes that the winter and spring seasons are prone to various respiratory illnesses. It is advisable to minimize time spent in overcrowded or poorly ventilated spaces and to uphold good hand and respiratory hygiene to mitigate the risk of infection. If symptoms suggestive of illness arise, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent the condition from worsening. Furthermore, healthcare professionals are encouraged to maintain vigilance and promptly report cases, facilitating timely antibiotic treatment when necessary. For additional information, individuals can visit the CDC’s official website at https://www.cdc.gov.tw or reach out to the toll-free epidemic prevention hotline at 1922 (0800-001922).