Stellenbosch University starts contact tracing after confirming student's death from meningococcal meningitis
The 19-year-old, from Riebeek West, was found dead inside his room at the Dagbreek Residence over the weekend. On Tuesday morning, it was confirmed that Scheffers died of meningococcal meningitis.
Stellenbosch University, Wikimedia Commons
CAPE TOWN - Stellenbosch University said that contact tracing of people who were in close contact with second-year theology student, Chris Scheffers, before his death, was underway.
The 19-year-old, from Riebeek West, was found dead inside his room at the Dagbreek Residence over the weekend.
On Tuesday morning it was confirmed that Scheffers died of meningococcal meningitis.
The institution said that meningitis was endemic to the Western Cape, where it circulated more commonly during the winter months, with most cases occurring without a clearly identifiable source of contact.
Stellenbosch University's Martin Viljoen said as this strain of meningitis could spread in close-contact environments and is considered serious, the protocols of the university's campus health services had been activated, guided by provincial and national health policies.
"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 that although no further confirmed cases had been reported, the university would continue to monitor the situation and contacts very closely over the next few days.
According to campus health, the bacterial infection initially presents itself with flu-like symptoms - headaches, muscle pains, joint pains and photophobia - which then become steadily worse.