At least 18 cases of bacterial meningitis were reported in Kyrgyzstan in the first quarter of 2025. Compared to previous years, the country is seeing a decline in incidence, the Department for Disease Prevention and State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance reported.
Experts note that meningococcal infections are seasonal, most commonly occurring during the winter-spring period (from December to May).
The disease is airborne, transmitted via respiratory droplets, with infected individuals serving as the main source. The incubation period ranges from 1 to 10 days. In the early stages, the symptoms often resemble common respiratory infections, causing many to delay seeking medical care and opt for self-treatment, which can lead to complications and severe illness.
The main symptoms of the disease are: severe headache, repeated vomiting not associated with food intake and not bringing relief, fever up to 39-41 degrees, chills, lethargy, pale skin, refusal to eat or drink. One of the characteristic symptoms that you should definitely pay attention to is the appearance of a rash.
«The disease is dangerous because it can develop in a matter of hours or even minutes. These are the so-called ‘fulminant’ forms of the disease. One of the reasons for the serious condition of patients is late seeking medical help and self-medication at home. If symptoms of the disease appear, you must urgently seek medical help. Meningitis treatment should be under strict medical supervision in a hospital setting,» the department said.
