Doctor raises alarm over meningitis case in Polokwane, but health department denies reports
A local doctor has made a bold claim in Polokwane, warning residents about a dangerous case of meningococcal meningitis, despite the health department saying it was not aware of any confirmed cases.
Dr Wilhelm AP von Ludwig told the public that many of his patients have been worried.
“They have been asking me about the recent diagnosis of a meningitis case here in Polokwane and apparently, it was a meningococcal meningitis case, which is one of the more dangerous types of meningitis that you get in patients.”
The warning comes at a time when meningitis concerns are also making headlines overseas.
In the United Kingdom, health officials have been battling an outbreak of meningitis B in southeast England, with dozens of cases reported and at least two fatalities among young people linked to the cluster
Von Ludwig went on to explain who might be at risk.
“A contact is somebody who has had close or prolonged contact with the index case or with the patient.
“So especially those that live in the same household, those that share the same eating utensils, if they are sleeping in the same bedroom or sharing in the same bathroom in a hostel, for example, and then also kissing partners of this patient.”
@doctorvonludwig What is a close contact? #doctorinpolokwane #meningitis #healthupdate ♬ original sound – Doctor von Ludwig
Dr von Ludwig urged close contacts to take precautions, stating: “So if you are a close or prolonged contact of the patient, you preferably need to be isolated and you should be taking prophylactic or preventative treatment, such as Ceftriaxone or Ciprofloxacin.”
Responding to the claims, Foster Mohale, spokesperson for the health department, said: “Please note that the department is not aware of meningitis case in Polokwane.
“We are in constant communication with the NICD almost daily, they have not informed us of any positive case.”
He further emphasised the importance of vigilance while denying the report.
“However, we urge anyone with suspected symptoms of meningitis or any notifiable medical condition to seek immediate medical attention.”
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