Child dies of meningococcal sepsis in Visoko, all contacts identified

(Patria) - At the end of February this year, a fatal case of meningococcal sepsis was recorded in Visoko involving a preschool child, six and a half years old, confirmed by the Institute for Health and Food Safety.

As stated in the Institute's announcement, the competent services of the Visoko Health Center, immediately upon receiving the information, conducted comprehensive epidemiological investigations.

"All identified close contacts in Visoko were timely covered with appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis, in accordance with current epidemiological guidelines and expert recommendations. We emphasize that the child did not attend primary school, although they lived in a neighborhood from which a number of children attend one of the primary schools in the Visoko area," the Institute confirmed.

All persons who had any contact with the child have been identified, and all necessary examinations have been carried out. To date, there are no reported new suspected or confirmed cases related to the mentioned event.

Disinfection of all premises was also carried out, as well as, preventively, schools near the child's place of residence, where classes are conducted online due to a technical malfunction in the heating system.

"Eight minors, thirteen other family members, and fourteen healthcare workers who were in contact with the child and family received protective therapy. As a preventive measure, enhanced health surveillance is underway for a period of 21 days, with the provision of informational instructions to the school and parents on symptoms to pay attention to, and on how to act in case of any health problems," the Institute states, emphasizing that competent institutions continuously and timely monitor the situation and take adequate steps.

The Institute for Health and Food Safety remains in constant coordination with the Visoko Health Center and the school management, with the aim of timely, professional, and responsible communication.

At this moment, this is a preventive and advisory procedure, aimed at reducing concern and providing accurate information to parents and teaching staff, the Institute adds.