In Kiev, 27 cases of meningitis were registered this year compared to 10 in the previous year. This was reported by the press service of the Kyiv City State Administration.

Meningitis is dangerous because it is difficult to recognize, it "disguises" under the usual ARVI. In the meantime, the disease is deadly. From the beginning of the year in the capital, meningitis was diagnosed in 18 children under 17 years of age.

"The insidiousness of the disease lies in the fact that its symptoms are similar to the symptoms of ARVI, and the lethality can occur within 24 hours after their appearance," - said the director of the Department of Health KSCA Valentina Ginzburg, cited liga. net.

The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets (like most acute respiratory-viral diseases) and has various forms: from such that it does not threaten life - to dangerous meningococcemia. The most vulnerable to the disease are children (about 80% of cases) and people with weakened immunity.

Valentina Ginzburg noted that due to indistinct specific symptoms it is not easy to recognize the beginning of this deadly disease even for experienced specialists.

She listed several key signs that may indicate the presence of meningococcal infection - a fever, especially above 39 degrees, drowsiness, lethargy, and a rash that shows signs of hemorrhages. Before the appearance of this rash for the diagnosis, there is practically nothing to orient.

"That's why I strongly recommend that adults do not engage in self-medication, and parents - when even the usual symptoms of ARVI appear, they do not treat their children themselves, but call a doctor," advises Ginzburg.