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Be alert during peak meningococcal season
Be alert during peak meningococcal season
Winter is traditionally known as season for coughs and colds but it is also the peak season for meningococcal disease. Hunter New England Health is issuing a reminder to the community to be alert for the symptoms of this very serious bacterial infection.
According to Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim seeking medical attention quickly may prevent the development of serious complications.
“If anyone suspects meningococcal disease, they should seek medical attention immediately,” Dr Durrheim said.
Meningococcal disease is a serious illness that can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
The disease is uncommon. It affects between 200 to 250 people in NSW each year, which is less than one in 10,000 people. So far this year there have been nine confirmed cases in the HNE Health region. In 2008 there were eight cases of meningococcal disease in the HNE Health region, 12 cases in 2007, 12 in 2006, 13 cases in 2005 and 24 cases in 2004.
The first symptoms of meningococcal disease may include pain in the legs, cold hands and feet and abnormal skin colour. Later symptoms may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights, nausea and vomiting, a rash of reddish-purple spots or bruises and drowsiness. Babies with the infection can be irritable, not feed properly and have an abnormal cry.
“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 two main strains of meningococcal disease in Australia are the B and C strains. A vaccine is effective against the less common meningococcal C strain, but there is currently no Australian vaccine for the B strain of the disease, which is causing approximately 85 per cent of cases in Australia. This means that young people who have had the meningococcal C vaccine should still be on the look out for symptoms.
“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.”
Most cases of meningococcal disease are seen in infants, young children, teenagers and young adults, although people of any age can be infected.
“However I cannot stress enough, if you suspect meningococcal it is important to see a doctor early. Patients with meningococcal disease need urgent treatment with antibiotics. Be aware of the symptoms so you can be on your guard.”
Contact: Tanya Carlyle
Phone: (02) 49 392 602
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