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Baby with suspected meningococcal infection
A baby is in a stable condition in a hospital in the Hunter region with suspected meningococcal disease. Antibiotic treatment has been arranged for the baby’s close contacts as a precaution to prevent spread of infection. So far there have been five confirmed cases of meningococcal disease in Hunter New England Health region this year. If confirmed this will be the sixth case. There are no links between this suspected case and any previous cases. In 2007 there were 12 cases of meningococcal disease in the Hunter New England region, compared to 12 cases in 2006, 13 cases in 2005 and 24 cases in 2004. Public Health Physician Dr Craig Dalton said seeking medical attention quickly could help prevent the development of serious complications. "If anyone suspects meningococcal disease, they should seek medical attention immediately," Dr Dalton said. Meningococcal disease is serious and up to 10 per cent of patients Australia-wide can die. 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 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 Dalton 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 include B and C. 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. 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 ten years due in part due to the success of the meningococcal C vaccination program.” “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,” Dr Dalton 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 will 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. For more information contact Tanya Carlyle on 0428 112 028
· headache
· neck stiffness
· dislike of bright lights
· nausea and vomiting
· a rash of reddish-purple spots or bruises
· drowsiness
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