Why is data about meningitis collated?
The collection and analysis of data enables us to track variations in the incidence of the disease, its prevalence in certain areas and highlights any significant trends. This enables the early identification of possible disease outbreaks and epidemics, which can then be managed appropriately. By monitoring the frequency of the disease and how the number of cases change over time, the effectiveness of prevention methods such as vaccination programmes can also be measured. Epidemiological data provides vital insights into the disease. Epidemiology is a scientific process which attempts to link the effects of factors such as lifestyle (for example, level of smoking or drinking), exposure to disease and mortality. Statistical correlations are developed to indicate the degree of risk that someone with a particular exposure pattern, lifestyle or genetic profile has of contracting the disease.
