3 Maart 2016
LEES JOU KAMPUS
4 Blikkieskosdag
9 Parys in ’n dag
12 Koshuisatletiek FOTO: JACO-MARI FUTCHER
One of the roughly thousand students getting a meningitis vaccination.
100s vaccinated against meningitis EDITORIAL STAFF @NWUWapad
T
he campus has been buzzing about meningitis after the sudden death of Nicola Badenhorst, a third-year in BSc microbiology and physiology. Badenhorst suffered from symptoms very similar to that of bacterial meningitis. Adelia van Dyk, Primaria of Vergeet-My-Nie womens’ residence, where Badenhorst resided, said Badenhorst started feeling sick at around 03:00 a.m. on Sunday. Her friends contacted the campus emergency services immediately. Once stabilized, she was taken to MediClinic. Badenhorst’s heart gave in at approximately 04:15 a.m., reports Netwerk24. She died just after see-
ing her father who had driven from Kimberly. The other hostel residents received meningitis medication as a preventative measure.
The injection is only preventative and will not remove the virus if you are already infected. Kiewiet Scheppel, spokesperson for the NWU Potchefstroom Campus, said 1 000 doses of the vaccine have been administered since the beginning of the year. The university ordered another 600 vaccines.
According to Lategan, you can get the Ciprofloxacin pill for R50 at the Cachet Pharmacy. Lategan said it is expensive, because he is not going to waste his time on a R4 pill. “When I sell a R50 pill I need to explain to the student about the illness and its symptoms. I simply don’t have time for a R4 rand pill.” Danielle Matthews, a second year in BSc biochemistry and physiology, said she does not know what to make of it. “I know everyone is paranoid, but I feel that it is unnecessary. It only spikes the Health Centre’s income.” Jaques Snyman, a second year in LLB Law, said people don’t have to be worried. “People sometimes overreact when it comes to illnesses.” Prof Fika Janse van Rensburg, acting rector, asks that students remain calm and states that students will be kept up to date regarding the developments.
Preventative measures You can get vaccinated at the campus’ Health Centre (E16) at a price of R550. Pay directly by swiping your student card at the Health Centre, or make a payment at F1. The injection is only preventative and will not remove the virus if you are already infected. If you are diagnosed with meningitis after taking the medication, you can make a complete reco-very. If the symptoms are already present, your condition will worsen rapidly and might lead to permanent damage or death. The pill lasts two to three days, whereas the injection lasts two to three weeks to prevent the bacteria.The pill is the most effective. If symptoms are present, visit a medical practitioner, clinic or healthcare centre.
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Diagnosis Blood samples and an MRI scan can detect swelling on the brain, but the only method for a definitive diagnosis is a lumber puncture (spinal tap).
Symptoms of meningitis • Severe headaches (worse than a migraine) • Stiffness in the neck (caused by brain inflammation) • A high fever • Light-sensitive eyes • Nausea • Convulsions • Seizures These symptoms appear suddenly and worsen rapidly.