Norway reports increase in meningococcal meningitis
Norway reports increase in meningococcal meningitis
The Norway Institute of Public Health is asking the population and the health service to be aware of symptoms of meningococcal meningitis in young people.
In the month of May, several young people fell ill with meningococcal meningitis in South-Eastern Norway. So far this year, five young people in the 16-19 age group have fallen ill, of which four in May. Usually, one to five young people aged 16-19 become ill in the course of a year.
An early sign of meningococcal meningitis is often a poor general condition, and the disease can resemble the flu or the flu. Symptoms can come in the form of fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. In case of blood infection, tiny red or purple spots may eventually appear on the skin. These are characterized by the fact that they do not disappear when you press a transparent glass against them. Neck stiffness and impaired consciousness are signs that can occur in the course of meningitis.
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Meningococcal meningitis can be prevented through vaccination. There are two types of vaccine: ACWY vaccine and B vaccine. The meningococcal types that have caused the most disease among young people in Norway in recent years, and all cases among young people so far in 2024, are covered by the ACWY vaccine. In 2023, there were also cases of type B disease in Norwegian youth.
Vaccination against infectious meningitis is an effective preventive measure that we recommend all young people consider. To achieve the widest possible protection, one must take both types of vaccine, says Sara Viksmoen Watle, senior physician at FHI.