CHild with confirmed Meningococcal disease - Hunter

Sunday 24 July 2011

A two-year-old girl is in a serious but stable condition, in a hospital in the Hunter region with confirmed meningococcal disease.

This is the eighth confirmed case of meningococcal disease in the Hunter New England Local Health District this year. This case follows 13 confirmed cases of meningococcal disease in the Hunter New England region in 2010.

The child’s close contacts have been prescribed clearance antibiotics.

In 2009, there were 14 cases of meningococcal disease in the Hunter New England Health region. There were eight cases in 2008 and 12 in 2007.

Public Health Physician, Dr David Durrheim said seeking medical attention quickly may prevent the development of serious complications.

"The community needs to be on the alert and if anyone suspects meningococcal disease, they should seek medical attention immediately," Dr Durrheim said. “Although invasive meningococcal disease can occur at any time of the year, in the past most cases have occurred during winter and early spring, so it is particularly important to be aware of the symptoms now and immediately seek medical attention if they are present.”

Meningococcal disease is serious and about 10 per cent of patients in Australia with confirmed disease tragically die. The first symptoms of meningococcal disease may include pain in the legs, cold hands and feet, and abnormal skin colour. Babies with the infection can be irritable, not feed properly and have an abnormal cry. Later symptoms may include:

• high fever
• headache
• neck stiffness
• dislike of bright lights
• nausea and vomiting
• a rash of reddish-purple spots or bruises
• drowsiness.

"Meningococcal infection does not spread easily.

“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.

“It does not appear to be spread through saliva or by sharing drinks, food or cigarettes," Dr Durrheim said.

Dr Durrheim says while meningococcal disease could be serious, in most cases, early detection and treatment resulted in a complete recovery.

"The number of cases of this rare disease has been falling over the past 10 years due in part to the success of the meningococcal C vaccination program," he said.

"It's also important to be aware that the vaccine does not protect against the B strain of the disease, so watch out for the symptoms even if you have been vaccinated," he said.

Most cases of meningococcal disease are seen in infants, young children, teenagers and young adults, although people of any age can be infected.

The meningococcal C vaccine is recommended for all babies at 12 months of age and currently in NSW, free vaccine is provided for unvaccinated people up to 25 years of age.

Where suspected or confirmed meningococcal disease has been diagnosed, public health officials arrange for information and clearance antibiotics to be provided to close contacts, like the other members of the person's household.

The purpose of clearance antibiotics is to eradicate any meningococcal bacteria the contacts may be carrying to prevent further transmission of the disease.

Contact: HNE Health Communication Unit

Phone: (02)4985 5522