MOSCOW, July 4 (Itar-Tass) - Serous meningitis has been diagnosed in 51 children in Moscow, ten of them are still in hospital, chief pediatrician of the Moscow healthcare department Boris Blokhin told a news conference on Thursday.
“This figure is within norm. From 400 to 600 people are diagnosed a year as having enteroviral infections,” he noted.
“The diagnosis of serous meningitis is not as dangerous as people say about it,” Blokhin noted. “It is often called a “dirty hands disease.”
According to the chief pediatrician, the most efficient preventive measures are to wash hands thoroughly after going outside, not to swallow water while swimming in natural pools, and to scald vegetables and fruits. “To ensure better protection, peel vegetables and fruits. It’s a pity that people tend to ignore these measures. They are a must,” he stressed.
As for antiseptic agents so widely advertized nowadays, Blokhin noted that petty soap would be much better for children. “It is better to use agents meant especially for young organisms. If it is soap, you’d better buy soap for children. The same is applicable to shampoo, toothpaste, etc.,” he added.