2011-12-22 22:46
Pretoria – There is still no sign of the man with highly contagious meningococcal meningitis who absconded from Mamelodi Hospital outside Pretoria, the Gauteng health department said on Thursday.
Health authorities and police are looking for Dave Danneth, 26, of Phomolong extension six, Mamelodi East, spokesperson Simon Zwane said in a statement.
Danneth absconded from the hospital after being diagnosed earlier this month.
Meningococcal meningitis is contagious. According to the World Health Organisation it can cause severe brain damage and deaths in 50% of cases if left untreated.
It is transmitted through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions, as well as close or prolonged contact such as kissing, sneezing, and coughing on someone. Symptoms include severe headache, fever, vomiting, irritability, reduced consciousness and rashes on the body.
People were warned to avoid contact with anyone suspected of having meningitis. Zwane strongly advised anyone who did so, to wash themselves immediately afterward.
“Those who experience these symptoms or have been in contact with people with meningitis should immediately present themselves at a health facility where they will be examined and given necessary medication,” Zwane said.
– SAPA
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Meningitis patient still missing