Stellenbosch University has confirmed that Chris Scheffers (19), a second-year theology student whose body was discovered in his residence on the weekend, died from meningococcal meningitis, reports News24.
Meningitis is endemic to the Western Cape, where it circulates more commonly during the winter months. Most cases occur without a clearly identifiable source of contact, and the university said that detailed contact tracing of people who were in close contact with the student over the past 10 days was under way.
A chemoprophylaxis (preventative medication) will be issued within the next 24 hours to reduce the risk of infection.
“Campus Health Services will directly engage with and medically advise those identified as close contacts over the next 24 hours. These include both students and staff,” the university said.
The student had been found in his room at the Dagbreek student residence on Saturday afternoon.
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