World’s first Meningitis Vaccine Launched By Nigeria: Read Full Details
According to a report, 153 deaths occurred due to meningitis in seven states of the African country Nigeria, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Yobe, Zamfara.
Nigeria has become the first country in the world to develop the first meningitis vaccine Neisseria meningitidis C in collaboration with the Serum Institute.
The name of this vaccine is Men5CV. The special thing about Men5CV is that it protects against five types of meningococcus bacteria A, C, W, Y and X. The World Health Organization has recommended the Men5CV vaccine launched by Nigeria to be used by countries affected by meningitis.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is a disease caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses, injuries in some cases, cancer, resulting in inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. This swelling occurs due to the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms in the body
- Irritability in children
- Stiffness in the neck
- Sudden change in mental state
- Sensitivity to light
- Feeling anxious
- Repeated vomiting
- Body shivers due to fever
Bacteria’s that causes this disease
- Streptococcus pneumonia
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Neisseria meningitidis
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Salmena
Let’s know some interesting facts about Men5CV vaccine
- Men5CV vaccine has been prepared in Gavi Vaccine Alliance, but Serum Institute of India has helped a lot in making this vaccine
- Men5CV vaccine can be given to persons aged between 9 months to 85 years.
- The vaccine is effective against five types of meningococcus bacteria: A, C, W, Y and X.
- The Men5CV vaccine will reduce mortality due to meningitis by 80% by 2030 in 26 countries across the African continent.
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