The pathologist-clinical pharmacologist, Tasos Spantideas, spoke on ERT about meningitis and on the occasion of the case that was recently detected in a school in Byron, but also about what parents should pay attention to.
Initially, Mr. Spantideas emphasized that “meningitis, fortunately, is a rare disease”. He then said that bacterial meningitis, although rare, is particularly serious and dangerous, while the viral form is milder, although more common, affecting ten people per 100,000 population.
“Every year, especially in the winter months, there are sporadic cases of meningitis both in schools and in barracks. Fortunately, meningitis is a rare disease, that is, it affects about three people per 100,000 population per year, mainly the bacterial, which is the most serious and most dangerous form, while the viral, which is milder, is more common,” he said. characteristics.
Symptoms that parents should watch out for
Meningitis mainly affects young people and children and Mr. Spandeas singled out the main symptoms that could motivate parents to contact their doctor immediately and they are as follows:
Persistent headache: A symptom that the child will express strongly, as the intensity of the pain does not subside easily.
Vomiting and neck stiffness: Especially if the child is unable to bend his neck, it should be an important indication for the mother to seek medical advice.
Sudden fever: A sudden fever, with no apparent reason, is also alarming and needs to be checked.
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**Interview with Tasos Spantideas on Meningitis Awareness**
**Editor:** Welcome, Mr. Spantideas. Thank you for joining us to discuss the important topic of meningitis, especially in light of the recent case in Byron. To start, could you clarify how common meningitis is and why parents should be particularly vigilant?
**Tasos Spantideas:** Thank you for having me. Meningitis is relatively rare; it affects about three people per 100,000 annually. However, the severity of bacterial meningitis, although less common, makes it particularly concerning. Viral meningitis is more frequent and generally milder, affecting approximately ten people per 100,000.
**Editor:** What specific symptoms should parents be on the lookout for that might indicate meningitis in their children?
**Tasos Spantideas:** There are key symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention. Parents should be concerned about a persistent and severe headache, vomiting, neck stiffness—especially if the child cannot bend their neck—and a sudden fever without an obvious cause. These signs can be critical in early diagnosis and treatment.
**Editor:** Given that meningitis mainly affects young people and children, how do you feel about the current awareness levels among parents regarding these symptoms?
**Tasos Spantideas:** I believe there’s still work to be done. Many parents may not be fully aware of the urgency surrounding these symptoms. Education is key, especially during flu season when cases tend to spike.
**Editor:** That’s an important point. As we consider awareness, how do you think parents can be more proactive in seeking medical advice in such situations? Should there be more resources available for them?
**Tasos Spantideas:** Absolutely. Health authorities and schools should collaborate to provide information sessions and resources for parents. Communities need to raise awareness about the signs of meningitis, enabling parents to recognize when it’s crucial to seek help.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Spantideas. to our readers, do you feel adequately informed about meningitis and its symptoms? What additional resources would you want to see in your community to help raise awareness? Let’s discuss.
