Latest news with #ChrisScheffers
The South African
6 days ago
- Health
- The South African
Cause of death of teenage Maties student confirmed
Stellenbosch University has confirmed that 19-year-old theology student Chris Scheffers, who was found dead in his room at Dagbreek Residence over the weekend, died of meningococcal meningitis – a bacterial infection known to spread in close-contact environments. Scheffers, originally from Riebeek West, was a second-year theology student, and news of his sudden passing has shocked the university community. The university has initiated urgent contact tracing of individuals who were in close contact with Scheffers prior to his death. According to university spokesperson Martin Viljoen, the institution's Campus Health Services has activated its meningitis response protocol in line with provincial and national health guidelines. 'They're working to trace those who were in close contact with the deceased recently so that chemoprophylaxis – a preventative medication – can be issued within the next 24 hours to reduce risk of infection,' Viljoen said. Meningococcal meningitis is endemic to the Western Cape, particularly during winter months, and it often appears without a clearly identifiable source of infection. Though rare, the disease can be fatal if not treated early. University health officials have warned the campus community to be vigilant for symptoms, which may resemble flu at first but escalate quickly. These include: Severe headache Muscle and joint pain Photophobia (sensitivity to light) High fever Nausea and vomiting Neck stiffness Anyone displaying these symptoms is urged to seek immediate medical attention. As of Tuesday morning, there have been no further confirmed cases, but university authorities say they are monitoring the situation closely and are prepared to act swiftly should new cases emerge. The university continues to offer counselling and trauma support services to students and staff affected by Scheffers's passing. A memorial to honour his life is currently being planned. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
6 days ago
- Health
- News24
Stellenbosch University confirms student died of meningitis, starts contact tracing
A Stellenbosch University student has died of meningococcal meningitis. He was found dead in his residence room over the weekend. The university has started contract tracing. The death of a Stellenbosch University student, whose body was found in his residence over the weekend, was due to meningococcal meningitis. In a statement, Stellenbosch University said: 'To this background, the university confirms that it has been informed that the Matie student, who passed away over the weekend, Chris Scheffers, died of meningococcal meningitis.' Meningitis is endemic to the Western Cape, where it circulates more commonly during the winter months. Most cases occur without a clearly identifiable source of contact. The university said that detailed contact tracing of people who were in close contact with Scheffers over the past 10 days was under way. A chemoprophylaxis (a preventative medication) will be issued within the next 24 hours to reduce the risk of infection. 'In this regard, Campus Health Services will directly engage with and medically advise those identified as close contacts over the next 24 hours. These include both students and staff,' the university said. READ | 'I am so broken' - Foster mom after Maties student, 19, found dead inside campus residence 'As this strain of meningitis can spread in close-contact environments and is considered serious, the protocols of the university's Campus Health Services have been activated – guided by provincial and national health policies – with the university working in close partnership with the Western Cape government: Health and Wellness to ensure all relevant protocols and preventative measures are adhered to. 'Detailed contact tracing of people who were in close contact with Mr Scheffers over the past 10 days is under way so that chemoprophylaxis (a preventative medication) can be issued within the next 24 hours to reduce [the] risk of infection. In this regard, Campus Health Services will directly engage with and medically advise those identified as close contacts over the next 24 hours. These include both students and staff.' The university said that no further confirmed cases had been reported, but that it 'will continue to monitor the situation and contacts very closely over the next few days'. It continued: If there are any concerning symptoms experienced by close contacts after receiving their chemoprophylaxis, they are advised to seek medical assessment urgently. In accordance with protocol, identified close contacts are encouraged to only attend lectures if asymptomatic, and wear masks in lectures and avoid gatherings (for example singing in groups) and not take part in contact sport. 'As a precautionary measure, all general meetings and gatherings in the Dagbreek residence (where Scheffers resided) have been postponed until the weekend.' According to Campus Health, the bacterial infection initially presents itself with flu-like symptoms – headaches, muscle pains, joint pains and photophobia (sensitivity to light) – which then become steadily worse: high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, diarrhoea or stomach pains, painful joints, cold hands and feet, seizures; and/or drowsiness that can deteriorate into a coma. A red or purple rash may also appear, which does not disappear when pressed. News24 previously reported that the second-year theology student was found dead inside his room at the Dagbreek student residence on Saturday afternoon. Western Cape police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, said when police arrived at the residence, they were escorted by security to a room on the second floor, where they found the body of the student 'lying on his back on the bed'. Police said an inquest docket had been opened for further investigation. The head of the Dagbreek residence, Grant Leukes, described Scheffers as an 'energetic young man' who played a 'big part' in Dagbreek's serenade group over the past two years. 'He loved the community he stayed in. We will all miss him dearly, and we send our heartfelt condolences to his family," he said.
The South African
6 days ago
- The South African
Maties student found dead in dorm room identified
A wave of grief has swept through Stellenbosch University following the tragic death of Chris Scheffers, a 19-year-old second-year theology student, who was found deceased in his residence room over the weekend. Scheffers's body was discovered on Saturday in Dagbreek Men's Residence on Victoria Street, after residence management raised concerns when he had not been seen for several days. According to Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, officers were called to the scene shortly before midday. Upon entering the second-floor room with campus security, they found the young man lying on his back on his bed, with all his personal belongings intact. He was declared dead at the scene by paramedics. 'There are no immediate signs of foul play,' Van Wyk confirmed. A post-mortem has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. Investigations are ongoing. Scheffers, originally from Riebeek West, was remembered for his gentle nature and quiet dedication to his academic path. His sudden passing has left friends, classmates, and lecturers shocked and heartbroken. Professor Richard Stevens, acting vice-chancellor for learning and teaching, conveyed the university's condolences. 'It is with heavy hearts that we mourn with the family and friends of Chris Scheffers. We extend our deepest sympathies to all who knew him.' Stellenbosch University has made trauma counselling and emotional support services available to any students or staff members affected by the incident. A memorial service is being planned to honour Scheffers' life and time at the university. Authorities have urged anyone with further information to come forward, although at this stage, no suspicious circumstances have been reported. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
