Moldova's meningococcal surge: Symptoms and prevention
Moldova is experiencing a concerning increase in confirmed or suspected meningococcal disease cases, a severe condition requiring rapid medical intervention.
According to data from the Pre-hospital Emergency Medical Assistance Service, 16 meningococcal infection cases have been registered since the beginning of this year, with 12 affecting children and 4 adults.
According to the National Center for Pre-hospital Emergency Medical Assistance (CNAMUP), four patients are from Chișinău, two from Hîncești, and one each from the districts of Briceni, Edineț, Florești, Glodeni, Rîșcani, Soroca, Dubăsari, Nisporeni, Rezina, and Ștefan Vodă. After receiving pre-hospital medical aid, all patients were transported to the hospital as an emergency.
Additionally, between January and June, ambulance services were called for 11 individuals with bacterial meningitis, including five children. Three cases were recorded in the capital, two in Bălți, and one each from the districts of Dondușeni, Fălești, Hîncești, Ialoveni, Nisporeni, and Strășeni.
"Meningococcal infection remains a significant concern, affecting children in Moldova and other countries. It's one of the most serious infectious diseases, manifesting in various clinical forms: localized, generalized, and those affecting the central nervous system. Children often develop meningococcal meningitis with a fulminant course and various complications," warns CNAMUP.
Specialists caution that symptoms can include: sudden high fever; intense headaches; nausea and vomiting; drowsiness or confusion; reddish-purple spots on the skin; and sensitivity to light.
Citizens are urged to call 112, Moldova's emergency number, at the first suspicious signs of the illness. Furthermore, doctors suggest avoiding close contact with sick individuals and washing hands frequently. Follow prophylactic treatment if you've had close contact with a confirmed case, and inform your family doctor about any symptoms in children, especially in schools or kindergartens.
Meningococcal infection is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, which can rapidly lead to severe forms such as meningitis – an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain – or meningococcal septicemia. The progression can be severe, sometimes even fatal, without immediate treatment.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
