Case of Meningitis Reported at Belize City Primary School

A Belize City primary school student has reportedly been diagnosed with meningitis. Today the Principal of Holy Redeemer Primary School, Leticia Waight circulated a notice to parents and guardians of the school’s lower division to advise that the Infant One student was present at school on Monday for the morning session and that the school was informed of the child’s diagnosis today. As a precautionary exercise, the class that the student is in was asked to remain at home today and the parents of those students have been asked to monitor their children. Additionally, the school advised parents and guardians of any child that shows signs of intense headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, rashes, diarrhea and fever to seek medical attention for these children.

The school assures that it follows all health protocols, and hence, has sanitized the classrooms and restrooms at the school. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has also issued a press release on this latest case of meningitis, the first such case that has shown up in Belize City.  The ministry release states that it is conducting further tests and implementing recommended measures in schools and among individuals who had contact with the child. The ministry’s Central Health Region is also leading the implementation of the preventive measures. The ministry informs that preliminary lab results on the six-year-old suggest that she does not have bacterial meningitis, and that she is currently in good health. The ministry acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Education in implementing water, sanitation, and hygiene practices and in implementing heightened surveillance of ill children in school.