6 days ago
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.
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'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.
