CAPE TOWN – The parent community of Durbanville panicked last week after rumours of an outbreak of the life-threatening disease meningococcal meningitis at a school in Durbanville spread.
The management of Pikkie Paradys School and Aftercare notified parents on Friday in a newsletter that there was only one confirmed case of meningococcal meningitis on their junior campus.
“There were no further confirmed cases as has been alleged in certain circles,” Tineke Botes, centre manager, said.
This came after a three-year-old toddler fell ill last Tuesday evening with meningococcal meningitis, which was confirmed with tests later. This contagious disease mostly affects infants, small children and teenagers.
Botes, who grew up in a household where her father was a pediatrician, said to TygerBurger her own child was among those in the same class of the ill child. She said she knew she must act immediately and that they cannot wait for the test results, which could take up to 48 hours.
Immediate action
“The moment the case was brought to our attention, action was immediately taken according to established protocol. Parents of the affected class were immediately contacted and requested to collect their children. The affected classroom was closed and disinfected according to prescribed health protocols,” Botes said.
“The department of health was immediately notified, and their recommendations were fully complied with. On advice from the department, the campus was evacuated as a precautionary measure. All parents of the affected campus were notified in writing about the confirmed case, as well as about symptoms for which they should watch. We encouraged parents to contact their paediatricians or medical practitioners for further medical advice if they had any concerns,” she said.
The entire school was closed on Thursday and Friday to be disinfected.
“The entire campus was thoroughly disinfected over a period of two days by an independent external company that used specialised equipment and approved chemicals.The school acted responsibly, swiftly and in close cooperation with the department of health in accordance with our internal safety and health protocols.
Untrue allegations on social media
“We regret that untrue and unsubstantiated allegations in public and on social media have caused further unnecessary panic and tension — particularly for the affected family who are already experiencing an extremely difficult time. We appeal to the community to handle information responsibly and to share only confirmed facts,” she said.
“No other children have shown any symptoms and it is very possible that the ill child did not contract the disease at school. We followed all instructions from the paediatricians at Cape Gate Mediclinic and I am very thankful for them. Our school community was also very supportive,” Botes said to TygerBurger.
Watch out for symptoms
A Durbanville paediatrican, Dr Willem Smit, warned parents on his Facebook page that they must watch out for the following symptoms.
- Sudden high fever;
- Severe headache;
- Neck stiffness;
- Vomiting;
- Sensitivity to light;
- Drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty waking;
- A rash that does not fade when pressed;
- Cold hands and feet, pale or mottled skin, severe muscle pain.
“Meningococcal disease can progress within hours, and children can become critically ill very quickly. In some cases, children can deteriorate and die within 24 hours if treatment is delayed. Even when children survive, this infection can cause devastating long-term complications such as hearing loss, brain injury, limb damage, scarring, and learning difficulties.
“Do not wait. Do not ‘see how it goes’.” If you are worried at all, rather have your child checked immediately. Early antibiotics and hospital care save lives.
“Meningococcal disease is preventable. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe disease and death,” he wrote.
