40 children affected by meningitis in Mossel Bay

Published Feb 5, 2016

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Michael Nkalane

FORTY children under 12 are being treated for meningitis in Mossel Bay. The area has been battling to contain the illness since the outbreak at the beginning of December.

Two adults are also affected. This week the provincial government sent down a team to contain the spread.

Provincial Health spokes-person Mark van der Heever said the outbreak was confined to Mossel Bay and the patients were being treated successfully.

“We now have 42 confirmed cases; 40 are children under 12 and two men, aged 37 and 39. All cases are being treated successfully, without any loss of life. To date, there have been no cases reported outside of Mossel Bay, which means our response team has been able to contain it,” said Van der Heever.

He added this is not the bacterial form (known as meningococcal) of meningitis, which is more lethal.

SA Medical Association Dr Mark Sonderup said there is no need to panic as viral meningitis is not harmful.

He said it is more common in warmer months.

Asked why the virus was hitting Mossel Bay, he said: “That is how it operates. It’s like a rhythm. It then spreads from person to person to other areas.”

Sonderup urged people to be cautious by avoiding contact with those affected.

“This is a viral type of meningitis. It spreads quickly through contact.”

Van der Heever said a local response team was activated after an increase in the number of children admitted to hospitals.

“The situation is being monitored to contain the spread of the disease.

“Response activities have been underway with active surveillance for suspected cases in the area.

“The team is also following up by tracing close contacts and screening them to see if they also have symptoms.”

Common signs to look out for are fever, headache, stiff neck, tiredness, sensitivity to light, rash, sore throat and vomiting, Van der Heever said.

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