Woman with suspected meningococcal disease

A middle-aged woman is in a serious but stable condition in a hospital in the New England region with suspected meningococcal disease.

So far this year there have been eight confirmed cases in the Hunter New England Health region.

If confirmed, this will be the ninth case.

The woman’s close contacts have been contacted to receive prescribed clearance antibiotics.

In 2010 there were 13 cases of meningococcal disease in the Hunter New England Health region. At this time in 2010, nine cases were confirmed. There were 14 cases in total in 2009, 11 confirmed by this time of year.

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, particularly during the higher risk winter and spring months, and if anyone suspects meningococcal disease, they should seek medical attention immediately," Dr Durrheim said.

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.

He stressed that 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," Dr Durrheim 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: Abbey Wright

Phone: (02) 4921 4477