Officials confirmed the Stellenbosch University meningitis case after the death of second-year theology student Chris Scheffers (19) over the weekend. On Tuesday, 5 August 2025, the university activated health protocols and began tracing close contacts.
Campus Health Service is notifying identified contacts and providing chemoprophylaxis within 24 hours. Teams are working with residence leaders to verify timelines and reach students quickly. Communicators are issuing clear guidance to residences and faculties. The aim is simple: treat those at highest risk while essential academic activity continues safely.
Targeted Precautions on Campus
Officials urge close contacts to attend class only if asymptomatic, wear masks in lectures, avoid gatherings and skip contact sport this week. Dagbreek Residence postponed general meetings until the weekend to create space for tracing and support. Students who feel unwell should seek medical care without delay and report symptoms promptly. Campus Health Service remains available for assessments, advice and referrals. With these steps, the Stellenbosch University Meningitis response stays targeted and proportionate.
Community Tributes and Support
Residence leaders and staff remember Scheffers, from Riebeek-Wes, as energetic and engaged in campus life. Peers express shock and sympathy, and the university urges students to access counselling and support services. Advisors can assist classmates who need extensions or timetable changes during this period. At this stage, the institution reports no additional confirmed cases. Monitoring continues while tracing and care proceed over the coming days, with regular updates to students and staff.
Health Context and Advice
Meningococcal meningitis can progress rapidly, but early recognition and treatment reduce risk. Students should watch for fever, severe headache, neck stiffness or a rash, and act fast if symptoms appear. Good hygiene helps: avoid sharing drinks, cover coughs and wash hands often. Close contacts should follow instructions from health staff without delay. The Stellenbosch University meningitis plan uses swift tracing and targeted precautions to protect the community and sustain learning.
