PUK meningitis scare over

2003-07-29 17:55

Potchefstroom - Classes at Potchefstroom University - suspended on Monday following the outbreak of meningitis, which that claimed the lives of two students last week - will resume on Wednesday.

A spokesperson for North West health department, Barba Gaoganediwe, said no new meningitis cases were reported on Tuesday.

The university and provincial and local health authorities worked through the night administering preventative medicine to about 10 000 students.

Health MEC Molefi Sefularo said the situation in the nearby areas had also stabilised. A female student at the Potchefstroom Beauty Academy died of meningitis at the end of June and five other people were treated for the disease.

Phillip Pretorius, 20, an education student at the university, died of meningitis last Wednesday and second-year engineering student Andre van Bommel, also 20, died on Sunday night.

After van Bommel's death, authorities decided to take action, with Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang and Sefularo meeting with university management on Monday to devise a response plan.

Treatable

Meningococcal meningitis, a highly infectious bacteria which can be transmitted through the air is treatable but only if detected early. The symptoms included a stiff neck, sore throat, severe headaches, rash and a high fever.

"We would like to salute our health workers in the area, we appreciate the tremendous response from the students and most importantly assure the public that the situation is under control," said Sefularo.

However, she urged the community to remain vigilant, exercise proper hygiene, be on the watch for symptoms and report to the nearest clinic or hospital for treatment if necessary.

- SAPA