Meningococcal meningitis

The Ministry of Health said 20 August 2021, one case of meningococcal meningitis has been confirmed by laboratory testing with a baby which brings to a total of 2 cases within Efate island from January to August 2021.

The ministry conducted a follow-up visit to the patient’s family home and all direct contacts have been treated preventively by antibiotics.

Vila Central Hospital physicians have confirmed the patient has been treated by antibiotics and is recovering well.

A 31-year-old woman of Port Vila was tested and confirmed to have the serious bacterial infection.

Director of Public Health, Len Tarivonda said the Ministry of Health has conducted a follow-up visit to the patient’s family home and work place.

He said all direct contacts have been treated preventatively by antibiotics.

Vila Central Health physicians have confirmed that the patient has been treated with antibiotics and is recovering well.

The ministry has put in place enhanced surveillance of the disease.

Local health authorities confirmed this to online news service, Solomon Fresh-Beat, following returned test results from blood samples sent to Australia on Wednesday afternoon.

A doctor at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara, Gregory Jilini said similar cases had occurred in Makira in 2014 and Malaita in 2016.

Dr Jilini wanted to reassure the public that the disease was not new to Solomon Islands and that it was treatable.

Apart from the three deaths no further cases have been reported so far.