Neurologists warn that the number of cases of meningitis could double in the coming years

The Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN) noted this Saturday that meningitis currently causes 300,000 deaths per year worldwide, despite the fact that many cases are preventable through vaccination and that despite the important progress made in recent years in declining incidence The number of annual cases is expected to double in the coming years.

However, estimates do not suggest that the number of deaths will increase in the same way through improved disease detection, prevention and treatment, although the number of people affected by the disease will increase.

Health problem

“Meningitis is a serious infection of the meninges, that is, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which can be caused by many different agents, but mainly by bacteria, fungi or viruses. This disease can have devastating consequences, since if severe it leads to a mortality rate of up to 10% and serious consequences of up to 30%, so it continues to be a serious public health problem,” explained the Secretary of the Group. Study of Critical and Intensive Neurology of the Spanish Society of Neurology , Dr. Marta Guillan Rodriguez.

According to SEN, around 1,000 cases of meningitis are reported annually in Spain, of which 10% are very serious. Anyone can get meningitis, although those most at risk are children under five years of age, especially if they are not vaccinated, and young people aged 15 to 24 years.

In fact, it is the leading cause of infection-related death among children and adolescents. “Symptoms usually appear suddenly, the most common being high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, sensitivity to light and confusion, which can progress quickly and require emergency medical attention,” says Dr. Guillan.