CEREBRO-SPINAL MENINGITIS

The recent outbreak of cerebro-spinal meningitis in 5 states has once again plunged Nigerians into another episode of panic barely 3 year after the West African Ebola virus epidemic (2013–2016).

Like Ebola, Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis is a disease mainly of viral origin affecting the central nervous system, however can be caused by Bacteria, Fungus and non-infectious agents like chemicals, drugs and cancers.

The recent outbreak is caused by a bacteria known as Neisseria Meningitis. Unlike with previous cases caused by Neisseria Meningitides Type A, the most common serotype isolated in the latest epidemic is Neisseria meningitides ‘serotype C’ (Nm C).

Already 336 cases of Deaths have been reported since the Outbreak. A total of 2,997 suspected cases have been reported in 16 States including FCT, of which 146 have been laboratory-confirmed.

Different theories has been speculated as to the reason for the recent outbreak of the new serotype including the recent hypothesis by the Zamfara State Governor attributing it to punishment from God.

The good news is Meningitis is both preventable and treatable.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION

·         Transmission is mainly through aerosol from person-to-person

·         Infected people or carriers spread the bacteria by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others, who then breathe in the bacteria.

·         Transmission can also occur through exchange of Nasopharyngeal or Oral secretion while in close contact or during kissing.

RISK FACTORS FOR THE SPREAD OF MENINGITIS

• Unhygienic Life-Style 
• Staying in an Overcrowded and poorly ventilated area
• Close and prolonged contact with infected person 
• Lack of Vaccination

Sharing Utensils, Cups and toothbrush

Note: One in every 10 people carry the bacteria in their Nostril and throat without showing any sign and symptoms

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of meningitis resembles that of a flu, however more severe

The major symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck

Others are: poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, sleepiness, fatigue, seizures, lassitude, confusion, skin rash, sensitivity to light and coma may occur in severe cases

In new born; in addition to the fever there might be irritability, excessive crying, poor feeding, abnormal body posture and bulging of the soft part on the baby’s head (fontanelle)

TREATMENT

·         Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis is Manageable with readily available medications

·         Report to the clinic immediately for immediate proper diagnosis and prompt treatment

PREVENTIVE TIPS

• Improve personal hygiene including proper and regular hand washing using soap under a running tap 
• Avoid touching staircase railing as much as possible 
• Avoid staying in an overcrowded place
•  Ensure proper ventilation in your houses and work-place 
• People should be educated to cough and sneeze into elbow joint/sleeves 
• Avoid prolonged contact with known cases 
• Proper disposal of respiratory and throat secretions 
• Reduce hand shaking, kissing, and sharing of utensils. 
• Avoid mouth-mouth resuscitation 
• Prompt Vaccination with meningococcal vaccines 
• Hand sanitization in the absence of soap and running water

NOTE: Like Bisi Alimi rightly said, Palm Oil, Anointing Oil, Bitter Kola and Salt water are not alternative to treatment and prevention of Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis

COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

Computer Vision Syndrome are a complex of eye or vision problems which are experienced during and related to computer use.”

Prolong staring at a computer monitor is the major working modalities in most offices in our modern society.
An average bank cashier for example  spend approximately 8 hours per day (40 hours/week) staring at a computer screen.

Studies in the U.S have shown that 88% of total number of people using computer suffer from computer eyestrain amounting to 4-19% decrease in work productivity.

An Eye test carried out in May 2016 involving 252 Staff members in a commission with approximately 8hrs/day computer use, shows that 64% of the total number of people screened suffers from errors of refraction due to Computer Vision Syndrome.

THE CAUSE
Due to the peculiarity of characters on computer Screen (Pixels) as opposed to printed materials with well defined edges, when using a computer, our eyes tend to involuntarily move to a visual point known as Resting Point of Accommodation (RPA), and then strain to regain focus on the screen. This continuous flexing of the eyes' focusing muscles creates fatigue and the burning, tired-eyes feeling that is so common after long hours at the computer.

Humans blink approximately 22 times per minute normally, however during computer use humans blink only 4 to 6 times per minute. This lower blinking rates cause eye moisture to evaporate thus dry eyes which in turn causes people to arch their foreheads in an effort see better thereby resulting to headaches.

Also prolong computer use results to assumption of awkward, unnatural postures, thus causing sore backs, stiff necks & hurting shoulders.

SYMPTOMS OF COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

There are several symptoms of CVS; the commonest include

• Eyestrain (sore or tired eyes)
• Tension Headache
• Slowness in focusing on distant object
• Eye irritation presenting as burning, dryness, redness or excess tearing
• Neck, back & shoulder pain
   
  
  
  
  HOW TO MINIMIZE CVS

• Ensure proper positioning of computer screens and adopt a proper sitting position by ensuring your seat is comfortable. A comfortable chair with support for the neck and back will help prevent neck and shoulder strain associated with CVS
• Use proper lighting: keep bright lighting overhead to a minimum: Use Window blinds and get a glare screen: Position the computer screen to reduce reflections from windows or overhead lights: Reduce the amount of Light in the Room: Have lamp focus on the Desk and not on you or the computer screen
• Adjust the brightness of your computer screen to match the brightness of the environment. Keep contrast & brightness at moderate levels
• Blink more often: Tears coating the eye evaporate more rapidly during long non-blinking phases and cause dry eyes. Purposely blink rapidly to re-wets your eyes which will avoid dryness and irritation. 
• Take frequent breaks: adopt the 20/20/20 protocol– every 20 minutes look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. And Every 50 minutes on a computer, change tasks for 10 minutes.
• Exercise even when sitting: Do some Stretching and joint rotating exercises during computer use
• Keep distance from computer screen at 20-26 inch
• Reduce screen glare by using anti-glare and Keep screen clean 
• Ensure Regular computer eye examination: at least twice a year
• Wear recommended computer glasses: If necessary, wear the appropriate corrective lenses while at the computer.
• If symptoms becomes persistent or severe, consult your doctor for proper evaluation