Two schoolchildren at the American Institute in La Paz are recovering well after leaving the intensive care unit. Educational institutions can resume classes only after undergoing strict disinfection procedures.
An official disinfects a classroom at an institution where a pneumococcal case was discovered (La Paz headquarters photo)
Source: Digital Compass
Two schoolchildren, aged six and eight, at the American Institute in La Paz, tested positive for meningitis and are recovering well after leaving the intensive care unit. Educational institutions can resume classes only after undergoing strict disinfection procedures.
The head of the Epidemiology Group of the Department of Health said: “Both minors are in the intensive care unit. They have now started receiving intermediate treatment and their condition is progressing well. We hope this situation will continue so that they can be discharged.” Service ( headquarters). Peace, Gabriela Mamani.
The case was reported as suspicious on Saturday, October 28, and after samples were taken from the minor and confirmed by the laboratory to be meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, the education and health departments and educational institutions were notified to suspend the case. Education career.
Mamani said the bacteria attacking children were “not very contagious” and, as some media noted, no deaths were reported. “The information is distorted,” he said, clarifying that children develop the disease as a result of poorly treated colds, complicated by chronic sinusitis and leading to meningitis.
In view of this situation, staff from the headquarters went to the institution as soon as they learned of the epidemic. Starting from Monday, they began to disinfect all environments and other environments. According to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, the disinfection work should last for three days. For safety reasons , considering that tomorrow is a holiday, students can return to school on Friday.
Health Minister María Rene Castro announced that she directed an epidemiological investigation into the presence of the disease and the corresponding follow-up to identify new cases, and she also urged the population to visit health centers to vaccinate children. Vaccination against pneumonia coccal vaccine and prevents meningitis infection.
“From now on, our children must be vaccinated against pneumococcal disease, which is why we urge all families to complete the entire vaccination schedule for pneumococcal, influenza, Covid-19, ECR, FDP, pentavalent vaccine, absolutely all vaccines, “He said
Education Minister Edgar Pary reported at a press conference that school closures had been approved and supported staff’s decision. In a statement, staff reported that Level 2 morning and afternoon classes in private areas for in-person instruction and protocol areas at elementary and primary schools have been suspended until further notice.
Meningitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
BD/WPS