DHA rules out meningitis, death of school student still under probe

Dubai Healthy Authority (DHA) ruled out meningitis as the cause of death of a Dubai school student.

In a statement , the DHA said it would like to reassure residents there are no cases of meningococcal meningitis in Dubai.
 
"We would like community members to only rely on official information as reports on social media can cause unnecessary panic. 
 
"The DHA is extremely well prepared to tackle any contagious  diseases. We use all our resources to detect and counter them through various measures including immunization. The health and welfare of our community is priority and we closely coordinate and work with Ministry of Health and relevant health institutions to tackle any such issues."

Earlier, the school said it had   informed the parent community that there is no need to panic.

"The Deputy Director of Schools & Educational Health Unit from the DHA has visited us and has shared the findings from the investigations into (our student's) cause of death. They have confirmed this was not a case of meningitis or a communicable disease.

"Obviously the matter is still ongoing for the family and health authorities, but they have confirmed we can reiterate to our parents that there is nothing to be concerned about."

The reason for the sudden death of a young student is currently under investigation by the heath authorities.

“Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is working closely with the concerned authorities to investigate the health and safety concerns raised by students and parents at the GEMS Wellington Academy in Silicon Oasis," said Amal Belhasa, Chief of Compliance and Resolution Commission (CRC) at KHDA.

"The school has already communicated with parents to provide them with information about the case. At this stage, we urge parents to remain calm and wait for the official communication.”

Earlier, the school principal had informed the parent community about the tragedy.

“I am writing to you in connection with the tragic news that one of our FS2 student unfortunately became ill last weekend and has sadly died,” he wrote.

He had said the school is currently “engaged with the Health Authority who are investigating the case” and added that the authority “have not received reports of any communicable diseases".

The school had nevertheless advised parents to report any health concerns in the children.

“In the meantime, should your child feel unwell, we would advise that you check them carefully and consult your doctor if you are concerned about their health,” the principal added in his note.

Another Dubai school has sent out a health advisory note to its parents' community about what parents must look out for.

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