2009-03-10: Meningitis cases in Johannesburg warrants no panic
THE Gauteng Department of Health (GDH) and City of Johannesburg Health Department (CoJ) are generally concerned about the effects an 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 twenty four (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 with CoJ Health Department will be rolling out an educational programme to explain the ABC's 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
Gauteng Department of Health
Cell: 082 334 9851
OR
Nkosinathi Nkabinde
City of Johannesburg Health Department
Tel: (011) 407 – 6477
Cell: 083 408 7787
E-mail: nkosinathin@joburg.org.za
