'Am I going to die, Daddy?'
2003-08-15 22:41
Johannesburg - "Daddy, am I going to die?"
Even if his father had said no, it couldn't stop the death of 10-year-old Tertius Maritz of Helderkruin on the West Rand. He died of meningitis.
Tertius, a pupil at the Lantern School, died on his mother's lap while his father drove him to the Flora clinic early on Friday morning.
His mother, Susan, says: "He took two deep breaths. Doctors declared him dead on arrival".
Dr Nicole Rains of the Flora clinic, who tried to resuscitate Tertius, says he died of streptococcal meningitis.
Tertius stayed at home on Thursday because he wasn't feeling well.
Susan says Tertius told her later that his chest was hurting and early on Friday, he developed a fever and I gave him a tablet. When I woke him later, he had a terrible purple rash on his face and hands.
"He didn't even complain of a headache or vomiting on Thursday", Susan says.
His father, Japie, says: "Tertius was born with a smile on his face and he was always a happy boy. We know he's in heaven, because he was a child of the Lord."
Thebe Mohatle, spokesperson for the Gauteng Education Department, says: "The Health Department and the emergency services went to visit the school on Friday."
"Emergency personnel gave preventive medicine to pupils who were in contact with Tertius and pamphlets were given to pupils and parents containing information describing the symptoms of meningitis.
"We will monitor the school next week and steps will be taken if necessary."
Johann van den Heever, spokesperson for the Gauteng Health Department, told Sapa that there was "no reason to panic."
"We are in the middle of the meningitis season. There's more awareness of meningitis now because the media is giving attention to it."
"There is not an increase in figures compared to last year", he said.
Tertius is survived by his parents and two brothers, Heinrich, 18, and Regardt, 14.