Good personal hygiene is essential to preventing meningococcal meningitis, Centre for Health Protection Consultant Dr Thomas Tsang says, adding that only people planning to visit high-risk places require vaccination.

Speaking on a radio talkshow this morning, Dr Tsang said the recent increase of meningococcal meningitis cases on the Mainland is normal for this time of year.

The incidence of the disease in the Anhai Province is similar to some European and American countries, he said.

People planning to visit the Mainland during the Lunar New Year should not panic. Dr Tsang reminded them to wash their hands frequently and wear surgical masks when necessary.

Intimate contact

Stressing the disease is not as highly infectious as other diseases such as influenza, tuberculosis and measles, the consultant said meningitis can only be spread through intimate contact.

Although the vaccines available now cannot offer full protection, the disease can be killed by many types of antibiotics.

Dr Tsang said up to 90% of meningitis patients can recover if early treatment is sought. However, around 20% of recovered patients may suffer hearing and intelligence impairment.

Dr Tsang said the peak season for influenza is the Lunar New Year, and there has been an increase of influenza cases in elderly homes recently.

Noting the mortality rate of influenza among seniors is relatively high, he urged the elderly to get vaccinated.