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Although some cases have been reported, City health officials have assured residents there is no outbreak of meningococcal disease in Johannesburg.
THE public has been urged not to panic
about the recent cases of meningococcal meningitis, by the City of Johannesburg and the
National Institute for Communicable Diseases.
This comes after recent media reports on three Johannesburg cases. “Meningococcal meningitis cases are reported every year in South Africa and tend to increase in the winter months,” the department says.
According to a statement issued by the City’s health department, there has been no increase in the number of expected cases of meningococcal meningitis this year compared to previous years.
Meningitis is an infection of the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord. Although it is curable, it can result in permanent brain damage or death if not treated early.
There are various types of meningitis caused by different bacteria or viruses. Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the bacterium Nesseria meningitides. It is spread through direct contact with fine droplets of discharge expelled from the nose or mouth of an infected person. It can be spread through kissing, sneezing, coughing, and sharing of eating utensils and cigarettes, or sharing confined spaces.
People who have been in close contact with an infected person are at risk of contracting the illness:
- Members of the same household; or
- Anyone who has been in direct physical contact with the infected person’s oral secretions.
To avoid spreading the infection, antibiotic prophylaxis must be given to all close contacts to decrease their risk of acquiring the infection.
Avoid kissing sick people, especially babies, on the mouth and don’t share eating utensils or cigarettes. Also avoid overcrowded conditions.
Symptoms
Symptoms of meningitis are a severe headache, fever, a stiff neck, drowsiness or confusion, eyes sensitive to light, a skin rash and fits.
Meningococcal disease is potentially fatal and should always be treated as a medical emergency. Admission to a hospital is required and antimicrobial therapy must be started as soon as possible.
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