Mbombela - An outbreak of meningitis has been reported in Mpumalanga's capital city.
Provincial Health and Social Development spokesperson, Mpho Gabashane, said the department's communicable disease control unit was alerted to the outbreak two weeks ago when the privately-owned Medi-Clinic hospital reported several cases.
"By then, 10 patients had been screened as suspects, but only five were confirmed positive for viral meningitis. We then dispatched our surveillance teams to reported areas. Ten cases were identified and investigated," said Gabashane.
He said the department received another alert on Tuesday from a local paediatrician who said he had treated a number of school children with viral meningitis.
"The provincial and district disease outbreak response teams were activated and have already put a number of interventions in place," said Gabashane.
He said the interventions include visits to identified schools to determine whether hygiene measures are in place, such as ensuring that everyone washes their hands regularly.
"Regularly washing of hands with soap and water is the single most important and effective intervention in preventing the spread of the disease, particularly amongst children in school settings," added Gabashane.
He said the National Institute of Communicable Disease had also deployed officials to support the local intervention team, which is trying to determine the full extent of the outbreak.
"It appears that school children have been mostly affected, but there have been adult cases as well," he said.
Early symptoms of meningitis include headache, fever, sensitivity to light, and neck stiffness.
"Outbreaks usually occur in summer or autumn, with children more commonly affected than adults. Enteroviral meningitis is usually a mild illness and the majority of ill persons will recover within seven to 10 days," said Gabashane.
He said no fatalities had been reported.
