Learners at a school in Johannesburg have been given preventative medication after a fellow pupil died of meningitis this week.
The 15-year old girl from Willow Crescent Secondary in Southern Johannesburg is the third youngster to die of the disease in the last month, but officials have dispelled fears of an outbreak in the area.
“The 15-year-old girl who attended Willow Crescent Secondary died from suspected bacterial meningitis in the early hours of Thursday morning,” said Gauteng health department spokesperson Phumelele Kaunda.
“It was not possible to conclusively confirm that she had meningitis as her remains had to be buried before sunset in line with the family’s religious beliefs.”
About 50 pupils from the school who had close contact with the girl were given preventative medication, and were given information on the illness. The girls family members also received treatment and is being monitored by officials from the health department.
The symptoms of meninigitis infection includes severe headaches, fever, vomiting, reduced consciousness and rashes on the body. It is spread through drops of fluid from the mouth, throat or nose of someone who has the illness. –Sapa