9 March 2009
Gauteng Department of Health is generally concerned about the effects on
illness like meningitis can have on communities and to that extend, has put in
place an effective response team that to date has responded effectively where
such cases are suspected.
The department is therefore concerned about recent reports of meningitis
suggesting that four young people, with two from Eldorado Park, passed away due
to meningitis. This in turn could lead to unwarranted panic in schools and
communities.
Only two learners, one from Mondeor and another from Soweto, passed away due
to this illness. Both communities were visited by officials from Gauteng
Departments of Health, Education and the City of Johannesburg who made
medication available, where necessary including providing information about
meningitis. The interventions assisted in returning stability to these areas
and the areas continue to be monitored closely.
Specifically in the case of Eldorado Park, there are no confirmed cases of
meningitis. One learner passed away in the past week and since she was buried
in less than 24 hours (due to religious beliefs) it was not possible to conduct
tests to confirm that meningitis could have been the cause of death.
The recent case of the learner admitted at Garden Clinic occurred after she
vomited and experienced diarrhoea. At present doctors are of the opinion that
the symptoms are not suggestive of meningitis. Even so, further investigations
will be conducted to confirm the cause of death.
The Gauteng Department of Health will be rolling out an educational
programme to explain the ABCâs of meningitis. It will answer questions such as
what meningitis is, what its symptoms are and what a person needs to do when
they suspect a person might have meningitis?
Also important to note is that in the event of suspected meningitis, only
persons in close contact with the infected person is provided with medication
in line with international standards.
For further enquiries please contact:
Phumelele Kaunda
Cell: 082 334 9851
Issued by: Department of Health, Gauteng Provincial Government
9 March 2009
