Daily News Analysis » April 2024 » Men5CV Vaccine- Against all Strains of Meningitis : 19 April 2024

Men5CV Vaccine- Against all Strains of Meningitis : 19 April 2024

About the vaccine:

  • It was approved by the WHO.
  • It safeguards against five strains of meningococcus bacteria in one shot, surpassing earlier vaccines.

Meningitis belt:

    • It is a region in sub-Saharan Africa where the rate of incidence of meningitis is very high.
  • It includes:  Gambia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea.

 

About Meningitis:

    • It is an inflammation of the fluid and three membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
    • It can be caused by several species of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
    • Some viral and bacterial meningitis are contagious, and can be transmitted by coughing, sneezing, or close contact.
  • Symptoms: neck stiffness, fever, confusion or altered mental status, headaches, nausea and vomiting.
  • Prevention: Vaccination offers the best protection against common types of bacterial meningitis.

Why in news?

Nigeria has introduced the world’s first vaccine against all strains of meningitis (Men5CV vaccine).