Health authorities of each China metropolis Shanghai said they
are stepping up efforts to monitor and control the spread of
epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, which has its highest incidence
between February and May.
The Ministry of Health also released a guideline last week to
administrate prevention and treatment of the disease. All regional
medical authorities and schools are required to keep a close eye on
the disease.
According to the Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC), epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis
spreads through saliva and attacks the upper respiratory system and
the meninges, especially in children.
About 3,000 cases are reported in the nation every year, killing
around 200 people annually. Many survivors suffer from serious
brain injuries.
"Local hospitals are required to conduct effective diagnosis and
treatment and report the disease. Whenever there is an outbreak,
the district and city-based center of disease prevention and
control will get involved in inspection and control immediately,"
said Leng Guangming of the municipality's CDC yesterday.
"The Shanghai Public Health Center, a specific infectious
disease hospital, also has a plan to receive and separate patients
during an outbreak."
Only about 10 cases of the disease are reported in Shanghai each
year, mostly involving migrant children who haven't received
vaccinations.
Shanghai began vaccinating local children in the 1960s.
(Shanghai Daily February 7, 2006)