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The town of Philippolis, located 177 km south of Bloemfontein in the Free State, is under siege from two contagious viruses, influenza B and the human rhinovirus. Subsequent spikes have led to the temporary closure of two primary schools, namely the Bergmanshoogte Intermediate School and Philippolis Primary School.
The provincial Department of Education’s decision to temporary close the schools yesterday - Wednesday, 6 March - was informed by the health advisors on the grounds of the severity of the viruses. The outbreak had town residents living in fear and panic, which was fuelled by the apparent unavailability of a remedy.
Howard Ndaba, spokesperson for the department, said the findings reveal the viruses were severe on children in the intermediate phase (Gr. 4 to Gr. 6). He said the department resolved to temporary close both schools from 7 to 13 March.
“About 100 learners were infected with the influenza B and human rhinoviruses. The decision was taken considering the vulnerability of the learners at both schools and also as a measure to prevent further spreading of the disease,” said Ndaba. He said significant numbers among the more than 500 learners in the two schools suffered similar symptoms.
“Six learners out of 96 who tested positive for these viruses, were hospitalised. Classrooms at both schools will be fumigated before the return of the learners. In addition, parents whose children are affected are advised to quarantine as an additional measure to curb the spread of the viruses,” said Ndaba.
According to Ndaba, the outbreak of the two viruses have negatively affected learning and teaching. “The investigation by the Department of Health professionals could not establish the cause of the outbreak yet.”
He said the department was informed on 28 February about cases relating to the viruses while affected parents say more children fell ill between 21 and 24 February. They say numerous learners were treated at a local clinic, with those severely affected referred for medical treatment to the Albert Nzula Hospital in Trompsburg and Mediclinic in Bloemfontein.
The symptoms range from swollen lips, dizziness, fever, difficulty breathing, stomach cramps, coughing, sneezes, to a sore throat. “We are informed the influenza virus can also be spread by hands contaminated with the virus,” said Ndaba.
A gravely concerned Nomalungelo Pholo had two of three children treated at Mediclinic and said recovery was slow, adding that they do not have an appetite for food.
“The two girls, Azania and Bohlokwa, were placed on oxygen machines over four-days after being admitted. They were treated for lung infections, stomach cramps, and high temperature. The doctor informed us the children fell ill because of the viruses,” said Pholo.
