Hunter New England Health can confirm that the baby boy that died on Wednesday morning did have meningococcal disease.

This is the 12th confirmed case in the Hunter New England Health region this year and the first death.

In 2006 there were 12 cases of meningococcal disease in the Hunter New England Health region, 13 cases in 2005 and 24 cases in 2004.

Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim stressed that Population Health has arranged for all close contacts of the baby boy to be treated with antibiotics as a precaution.

“The meningococcal infection does not spread easily,” Dr Durrheim said.

“It is spread by secretions from the nose and throat of a person who is carrying it and close and prolonged contact is needed to pass it on. For this reason, people that have only had brief contact with an infected person do not need antibiotics.

“It does not seem to be spread through saliva or by sharing drinks, food or cigarettes.”

"If anyone suspects meningococcal disease, they should seek medical attention immediately," Dr Durrheim said.

Meningococcal disease has a sudden onset and symptoms may include:

• High temperature
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Irritability
• Weakness or drowsiness
• Joint and/or muscle aches
• Stiff neck
• Pin-point or purple blotchy rash

While meningococcal disease can be serious, in most cases, early detection and treatment results in a complete recovery.

In Australia, one in every ten people with invasive meningococcal disease die each year.

Hunter New England Health has provided the baby’s family with support and counseling during this distressing time.

Contact: Tanya Carlyle

Phone: 0428 112 028