Worker dies from meningitis

(July 14, 2007) A 25-year old man at Ormen Lange's land facility has died from meningitis. The man was found dead on Wednesday at the site hotel at Nyhamna. The deceased worked for a sub-contractor of Aker Kværner. A post-mortem examination showed that the man was suffering from meningitis.

Further tests today have revealed that the infection type was meningococcal type C, infectious bacterial meningitis.

When it became clear on Friday that it was a case of meningitis, preventive measures were initiated in close cooperation with the health authorities, alerting and informing the employees at the Ormen Lange facility.

The medical officer in the municipality of Aukra, Roald Borthne, says that so far, there is nothing to suggest that anyone else has been infected, and that the risk of infection is extremely low. A heightened state of preparedness is being maintained at Ormen Lange during the weekend.

The municipal medical officer urges anyone experiencing symptoms of headaches, nausea/sickness, fever/high temperature, freezing, poor general condition, flu-like symptoms or stiff neck, to contact the health centre immediately.

Spokespersons:
Christine Wigand: +47 95 26 59 10
Kama Holte Strand: +47 91 72 88 38