Mumps and Meningitis: know the signs
With the recent meningitis scare parents in the city are urged to look out for the signs and symptoms of mumps and meningitis.
POLOKWANE – Several cases of the two illnesses have been reported at various pre-schools in the city, with many parents being asked to leave their children at home if they show any signs or symptoms.
Review spoke to a nurse in the city who explained the symptoms of both illnesses. Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus that passes from one person to another through saliva, nasal secretions and close personal contact.
The condition primarily affects the salivatory glands which are located behind and below the ears.
The trademark symptom of mumps is the swelling of these glands. Other symptoms include fever, restlessness, loss of appetite and, in some cases, a rash.
Symptoms will only occur two to three weeks after being exposed. “Some boys will also experience testicular pain and girls will experience pain in the abdomen,” she explained.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. This inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
There are two types, mainly viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis, both are considered dangerous as children sometimes do not show symptoms at all. The nurse explains the most significant signs includes stiffness in the neck as well as a headache and fever.
“Other symptoms include restlessness and photophobia, which is sensitivity to light,” she explained.
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Review also spoke to Department of Health Spokesperson, Derick Kganyago, who said that he is not aware of any outbreaks of mumps and meningitis in the city.
“If there is an outbreak we will alert the public and have our outbreak team take care of the situation,” he said.
