Paysandú confirms first case of meningococcal meningitis in a child

Health authorities in Paysandú, Uruguay, have confirmed the first case of meningococcal meningitis of the year in a child attending a local urban school. The patient, a child between five and six years old, is currently hospitalized in a general ward and is reportedly evolving favorably without serious complications.

In response to the diagnosis, sanitary interventions were implemented at the Juana de Ibarbourou School (Escuela N.º 42). This includes the administration of antibiotic chemoprophylaxis to the child's 15 classmates and family members to prevent infection among close contacts. Authorities also plan to conduct preventive vaccination at the school, pending parental authorization.

Health officials have emphasized the importance of vaccination, noting that the meningococcus vaccine is free and available at all national vaccination centers. To facilitate access, the Ministry of Public Health has expanded availability, allowing children and adolescents aged two to 15 to receive the vaccine without a prior appointment.