Viral meningitis cases on the rise again in Mossel Bay

THERE has been a sharp increase in the number of viral meningitis cases reported in Mossel Bay over the past few days after an outbreak in the Garden Route town in December.

A quarter of the cases that have emerged since the outbreak two months ago have been reported over the past week.

By yesterday, the Western Cape Department of Health reported there had been 38 confirmed cases since December 1 – mostly affecting children younger than 12.

The department first confirmed the outbreak last week, saying then that 29 cases had been reported between December 1 and January 24.

After the statistics were released, the department said it believed the outbreak had been contained following two days of no reported cases.

But by Friday, five more cases had been confirmed and by yesterday this had risen by a further four to 38 cases in total.

Department spokesman Mark van der Heever said yesterday that of the 38 cases, 37 were children younger than 12.

The other person was a 37-year-old man.

All the cases have been successfully treated.

Van der Heever reiterated that the outbreak was viral meningitis and not the more severe bacterial form, known as meningococcal meningitis.

“In South Africa, seasonal peaks occur especially in warmer months,” Van der Heever said.

“A local response team was activated after an increase in the number of cases admitted to hospital.

“The situation is being monitored to contain the spread of the disease.

“Response activities have been under way with active surveillance for suspected cases in the area,” Van der Heever said

Marika Champion, also of the department, said earlier that while viral meningitis was not a disease requiring National Institute for Communicable Diseases notification, the centre had been informed about the outbreak and a reaction team sent to the area.

She said unfortunately the symptoms of viral meningitis were very similar to many other illnesses, including flu.

Common symptoms included fever, headache, a stiff neck, lethargy, light sensitivity, a rash, painful throat and vomiting at times.

Champion urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms – including loss of consciousness, seizures, muscle weakness and a dark rash on the body – occurred.