Understanding Meningococcal Infection: A Growing Concern for Parents

With the increasing ‌trend of parents sending their children to study abroad, particularly in‌ the UK and the US, it’s essential to be ‌aware of the meningococcal vaccination requirement for visa applications. This vaccine is not ​included in the Hong Kong government subsidies, and many⁣ parents may‍ not be familiar with Neisseria meningitidis, a bacteria that can be life-threatening for infants and young children.

What is Meningococcus?⁤ Is it Dangerous?

According to Dr. Yan Xiuyong, a pediatrician, meningococcal infection is a serious bacterial infection that spreads through direct contact with patients’ ⁢oral⁣ and nasal secretions. The initial symptoms are similar to a cold, but the ‍infection can be⁣ fatal within 24 hours, with a mortality rate of up to 10%. Even if you survive, there’s ​a 10-20% chance of leaving intellectual impairment, ‌hearing impairment, and mutilated limbs, epilepsy, and other serious consequences.

The World Health Organization states that up to 10% of adults worldwide are carriers of‌ Neisseria meningitidis. The incubation ⁣period ranges from 2‍ to ⁣10 days. Although most adult ⁤carriers may not ​show obvious symptoms, they can still spread the bacteria through droplets. This‍ makes it challenging to prevent ⁤the disease, even ‌if ⁣children ⁢stay home.

High-Risk Groups: Newborns and Adolescents

Infants and young children aged 2 years and‍ under are at risk of‍ infection. The initial symptoms of meningococci are similar to those of a cold, making it difficult for parents to ⁣identify the disease. Dr. Yan ​also pointed out that the ​patient’s⁤ symptoms will become more obvious 6-8⁣ hours after the onset of the disease, but by then, the symptoms of sepsis may have appeared, such as foot pain, ⁢cold hands and feet, abnormal skin color, ‍etc. After 13 hours, there’s a greater chance of developing hemorrhagic ⁢rash, loss of consciousness, and death within 24 hours.

Young people starting high school or college⁢ have more frequent social contact with others, increasing their risk of infection.‍ Students studying abroad, in particular, need to be extra careful.

Are Meningococcal Cases on the Rise?

Dr. Yan pointed out that after the epidemic, the number of meningococcal cases in various ⁢countries has increased, with some countries ‌experiencing “record highs” in the number of infections. The United ⁤States, for example,​ dropped to less than 100 ‌cases per year during the pandemic from ⁤2020 to 2022. However, in 2023, the number of infections reached a new high ⁤of 168. Similar situations occurred in the‌ United Kingdom, Germany, France, and South Korea, indicating that meningococcal cases ⁤are spreading frequently again.

In Hong Kong, although the cases of invasive meningococci have decreased after the epidemic, they have been increasing in the past two years. Three cases were recorded in the first ⁣quarter of 2024, making it essential for parents to take precautions.

Prevention of Meningococci through Good Personal Hygiene

Dr. Yan emphasized that to prevent meningococci, it’s crucial to​ start with basic personal hygiene. Washing your hands properly ‌with soap and water, especially after coughing or⁢ sneezing, is essential. If your hands are obviously dirty, you can rub them with 70% to‌ 80%‌ alcohol solution.

The World Health Organization emphasizes that vaccination is an effective way to prevent meningococcal infection. Many countries, such as the United Kingdom, the United‌ States, and Australia, have included the meningococcal vaccine in their national immunization plans. Although the Hong Kong ⁣Childhood Immunization Schedule does not yet include the meningococcal vaccine, parents can consult their family or pediatrician for more information.

▲Pediatrician Yan Xiuyong