What is known about meningitis spread in Kosovo

So says Radio Free Europe, a parent whose child spent more than four days lying at the Infectious Clinic of the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo (QKUK) in Pristina, following diagnosis of viral meningitis.

With the recommendation of doctors, he has been released from the hospital and medical examinations will now take place as we were told”, the parent claims, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Meningitis, or the inflammation of brain chips, according to doctors, is one of very serious diseases, especially in children.

The cause of meningial syndrome is bacterial or viral infections. The spread of infection may be pools, places of refreshment, contact, and contaminated water, according to doctors.

How does meningitis manifest itself?

Some of the symptoms of the disease are similar to those of a normal flu but are very short - term.

The meningitis can appear immediately, or 3 to 7 days after receiving infection. Symptoms of the disease include vomiting, dizziness, high body temperature, muscle pain, light sensitivity, headaches, confusion, cold limbs, and skin rashes.

There may be other symptoms among children, such as quick breathing, irritability, long - term crying, loss of concentration, and lack of appetite.

Health authorities announced that cases of meningitis have recently increased. But infected people say they are prepared to treat them.

The growth of the number of patients, compared to the previous months, but the situation is under full control and the Infectious Clinic has enough professional and spatial capacity to treat patients”, says Infectva Director Arben Visaj, in a proposal for Radio Free Europe.

According to Vajaj, “is not a situation that causes a public health problem”.
At the QKUK Infectious Clinic, from July of this year until August 17th, 45 meningitis patients have been treated. In the previous period, 20 more cases have been handled.

Where can a viral meningitis be encountered?

Infectologist Vajaj shows that viral meningitis, which is currently circulated, is represented in high - temperature weather, which affects the contamination of food and water.

In summer, when temperatures rise, there is the possibility of contaminant of food and water, and of presenting a virus. And then, the presence of the virus in the blood can also lead to the spread of viruses in the brain, triggering a clinical form, which we call meningitis, which is an inflammation of brain chips”, Visaj explains.

Meanwhile, bacterial meningitis is another problem with the presence of bacteria in the throat, says Visaj.

For example, in meningitis-coxic meningitis, a presence of bacteria in the throat can lead to the spread of bacteria in blood cells, and thus causes a septic condition, which can cause even meningitis that may have a serious clinical shape of”, Vishaj relates.

According to him, citizens should take care mainly of food consumption, especially those offered at different locals by barbecues.

The best raw food would be meat, which in advance is ripe only on the sides rather than on the inside. Mostly barbecued, raw food. Then, well - processed foods that are not stored in good conditions, at appropriate temperatures”, Vaj states.

The Need for Growth

In order to preserve public health and prevent various infections during the summer season, and in particular preventing infections, Kosovo's National Public Health Institute (IKSHPK) has recommended increased vigilance.

The IKSHPK says that, given the fact that the number of cases reported to menageal syndrome has increased during July and August, have provided some recommendations for institutions and citizens.

“Control and water chlorification for drink must be continuous. Control and chlorification of pool water should be permanent, then maintaining and cleaning regular family pools”, states IKSHPK's spokeswoman, Era Piraeus, in a proposal for Radio Free Europe.

The IKSHPK adds that in case of the epidemic or the risk of its appearance, the report of the disease and research is mandatory, while laboratory confirmation and the recognition of the trigger are necessary.