Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Kabompo High School has been closed for two weeks following the outbreak of meningococcal meningitis at the school.
Health Minister Joseph Kasonde has told a media briefing in Lusaka today that six cases of meningitis were reported from the 20th June to 3rd July of which three cases were lost and ended up in deaths while the other 3 were admitted to Kabompo district hospital.
Dr. Kasonde says the District Community medical office has since instituted case management of the cases by isolation and treatment.
He adds that the provincial medical office has also instituted screening of contacts to the cases.
He says fifty five pupils have been screened of which five have been referred to Solwezi General Hospital for further assessment.
Dr. Kasonde says the District medical office and the school are appealing to all pupils from the high school to report to the nearest facility for chemoprophylaxis to prevent them from developing the disease.
He points out that the ministry of health in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the ministry of community development has continued to closely monitor the situation and provide necessary support.
Dr. Kasonde has further urged members of the public to practice hand hygiene, practice cough etiquette and cooperate with health officials and directives in order to control and avoid further spread of the disease.