TRINIDAD – Fear at school as child dies from meningitis

PORT OF SPAIN – Public health officials are expected to visit the Fifth Company Baptist Primary School today, following the death of a child from a suspected case of meningitis.

The girl died last Friday.

Her father visited the school and informed officials that a relative of the pupil had also recently died from meningitis.

He said an autopsy will be performed today to determine the cause of death.

A source at the Ministry of Education said based on the father’s information, sanitation was done at the school on Friday, as a precautionary measure and as standard procedure.

Public health officials are expected to visit.

A WhatsApp message circulated over the weekend, telling parents: “By now you may have heard that a student of our school died of meningitis on Friday. As a result, the ministry is taking all precautions and a team of health personnel will be at the school on Monday to screen all pupils and teachers. Please ensure that your child is present to be screened. You may also do your research so as to monitor your child for symptoms.”

The Express was told one parent took a child to the hospital and that child was warded.

Meningitis is spread through the exchange of respiratory secretions during close contact.

According to the Mayo Clinic, it is an inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord. The swelling from meningitis typically triggers symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck. Some cases of meningitis improve without treatment, in a few weeks. Others can be life-threatening and require emergency antibiotic treatment.

The Express contacted the school to find out what action was being taken. The Express was asked to make contact with the Ministry of Education.
(Trinidad Express)