24 April 2007
Although no meningococcal meningitis or sepsis cases have yet been reported
in the province for 2007, with the onset of winter drawing near, the Northern
Cape Department of Health has issued an alert to the public to be on the
lookout for symptoms associated with the disease.
Meningococcal meningitis is mostly prevalent among children, and is mainly a
seasonal condition of which infection traditionally increases during the winter
months.
According to departmental data, 27 meningococcal meningitis cases were
reported in the province last year, of which the first case was reported in
February 2006. Furthermore, 15 of the cases were laboratory confirmed and 10 of
the 27 cases resulted in death.
Due to meningococcal disease being potentially fatal and capable of causing
epidemics, it is considered a modifiable medical condition in South Africa and
should thus always be viewed as a medical emergency.
All clinically suspected cases, both in public and private health
institutions, must therefore be reported to the Department of Health. Symptoms
of meningococcal meningitis include headaches, stiff neck, eye sensitivity to
light, fever, drowsiness or confusion, nausea or vomiting, skin rash and
fits.
These symptoms are not exclusive to meningococcal meningitis and do not
exclude the presence of other diseases. However, if symptoms occur, you must
not delay seeking treatment and should immediately visit the nearest hospital
or clinic because disease onset may be rapid, causing collapse, massive
bleeding under the skin and severe shock. It may also result in brain damage,
hearing loss or learning disability.
Furthermore, meningococcal meningitis is also highly infectious and can
result in death within a matter of hours of experiencing the symptoms.
Meningitis is transmitted through droplets of secretion from the nose and
throat of infected people. To avoid spreading this and other infections,
everyone must cover their nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and wash
their hands frequently. Also, avoid kissing sick people and especially babies
on the mouth. Furthermore, do not share eating utensils or cigarettes and avoid
overcrowded conditions.
Enquiries:
Shelley Fielding
Cell: 083 701 7191
Issued by: Department of Health, Northern Cape Provincial Government
24 April 2007
