HEALTH TEAM TO MAKIRA TO PROBE DEATHS OF 4 CHILDREN

Map of Makira Ulawa. Photo credit: Commerce.

A team from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and the World Health Organisation has been dispatched to investigate, the deaths of the four children in Makira Province.

Four children, all under the age of 12 years old, died last week and over the weekend after short illnesses.

While it is not yet confirmed, the Ministry believes there is a possibility that the outbreak is caused by meningococcal bacteria.

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Health says meningococcal disease can be treated with antibiotics but the course should be started as soon as possible.

The team sent to Makira will assist provincial health staff further investigate and control this outbreak.