SATUN, 3 July 2015 – An outbreak of meningococcal disease has killed one patient in Satun province, prompting local health officials to remain on high alert.
22 locals who recently developed a fever are being monitored by provincial health units for a period of 20 days. Health officials who came in contact with those under surveillance have also been given medication to curb the spread.
A local school, where a student has been diagnosed with meningococcal disease, announced that the school will remain temporarily closed until further measures are implemented. The school is undergoing a thorough cleaning to prevent the contraction of the disease.
Meningococcal disease describes infections caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. The bacteria spreads through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions. Symptoms can include sudden high fever, severe headache, nausea and drowsiness. The disease carries a high mortality rate if untreated, but can be prevented via vaccination.
