Video 1 min read

Meningitis: warning signs to watch for

Published the Updated By Sacha Tembe and Jeanne Fenouil; Translation: AI-assisted

There have been 200 cases of invasive meningococcal infections in France since January—a 25-year high—but not all of them are meningitis. Dr. Samy Taha, a physician-researcher at the CNR for Meningococci at the Institut Pasteur, provides an overview of the symptoms to watch for, how the disease spreads, and the importance of vaccination.
  • #Meningitis
Débunkage de la méningite

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© Script: Jeanne Fenouil and Sacha Tembe - Filmmaking: Jeanne Fenouil (video in french, english subtitles available translated by AI)

 

Meningitis: warning signs!

200 cases in France since January? Yes, but... This figure concerns invasive meningococcal infections, a 25-year record. But not all of them are meningitis!

Dr Samy Taha, medical researcher at the CNR des Méningocoques, reminds us of the importance of prevention and rapid screening to limit serious forms of the disease.

Symptoms to watch out for :

  • High fever and intense headache
  • Stiff neck preventing you from lifting your head
  • Rapidly spreading purplish patches on the skin.

How is the bacterium transmitted?
Through respiratory secretions: saliva, cough... Close face-to-face contact without a mask is required to be at risk.

Vaccination, the best protection!
Mandatory for babies under 2 years of age, and recommended for children aged 11 to 24 since January 2025.

 If in doubt, call 15 for swift care-taking.