5 March 2009
Following the death of a 15-year-old Willow Crescent Secondary School
(Eldorado Park) learner from suspected bacterial meningitis in the early hours
of this morning, Gauteng Health Department dispatched to the school an Outbreak
Response Team made up of health promoters, environmental health officers,
professional nurses and doctors to monitor the situation.
It was not possible to conclusively confirm that the learner had meningitis
as her remains had to be buried before sunset in line with the family's
religious beliefs. As a precaution, about 50 learners from the school who had
close contact with the deceased were given preventative medication. This
included educational talk about the illness. Family members also received
prophylactic treatment and support and are being closely monitored.
The Gauteng Health department, assisted by Jo'burg municipality health
workers as well as the Gauteng Education department has designed joint
operational teams to maintain control over the situation and dispel fears of an
outbreak in the area.
The department is of the view that the different cases that have been
reported to us are unrelated and therefore do not present any cause for alarm.
Not withstanding, an extensive education and support efforts is in place to
ensure that concerned persons are aware of what to expect and how to react. The
signs for meningitis are severe headache, fever, vomiting, irritability,
reduced consciousness and rashes on the body. It is spread through drops of
fluids from the mouth, throat or nose of someone who has the illness.
To prevent meningitis one must avoid contact with any person with suspicion
of the illness, and must also wash their hands after touching the affected
person. Those who experience these symptoms or have been in contact with people
with meningitis should immediately present themselves at a health facility
where they will be examined and given necessary medication.
Enquiries:
Phumelele Kaunda
Cell: 082 334 9851
Issued by: Department of Health, Gauteng Provincial Government
5 March 2009
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.health.gpg.gov.za)
