Tswane crèche monitored after deaths
2011-10-26 19:25
Johannesburg - A crèche is being monitored after two babies died from meningococcal meningitis in Olievenhoutbosch in Centurion, the City of Tshwane said on Wednesday.
"Three babies from the crche have died over the past three weeks, but only two have been linked to meningitis," spokesperson Antoinette Mostert said.
"Officials are still monitoring the crche, but no other incidents have been reported yet."
A total of 27 cases of meningococcal meningitis had been reported in Tshwane since May.
Meningococcal meningitis is the most dangerous type of meningitis, with infants being the most at risk. Its symptoms are fever, severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, stiffness of the neck and legs, tiredness, sleepiness, light-sensitive eyes, confusion, skin rashes and seizures, primarily in children.
Treatment is essential to ensure recovery. One in 10 cases is fatal, and one in seven survivors is left disabled.
- SAPA
