Disease outbreak kills three

THREE deaths have been reported by the Port Moresby General Hospital relating to a meningococcal outbreak.
Seven cases with symptoms of high fever and rashes (signs of meningitis) have been reported at the paediatric unit of the hospital since Dec 4.
Acting health secretary Pascoe Kase said the deaths, all from Hanuabada, had been reported while four cases had come from Gerehu, Kaugere and Port Road.
“All remaining four cases are being treated at the Port Moresby General Hospital and are recovering,” he said.
Kase said transmission of the disease occurred from person to person, usually through contact with respiratory droplets from the nose and throat of infected people.
It predominantly affected children.
The hospital management has ensured availability of antibiotics and other supportive therapy to treat all the cases reporting to the hospital.
He said the health department, with technical support from the World Health Organisation (WHO), in collaboration with the National Capital District Health Services and support from Lawes Road Clinic, visited Hanuabada village last week to ensure the disease had not spread to other family members.
“Necessary instructions have been provided to all clinics in the city to look out for cases.”
Kase urged parents and guardians to report cases of high fever and rashes.