Meningococcal disease awareness has taken a bit of a backseat over the last couple of years with all the concern and hype surrounding Covid, but it does not mean the virus has gone away this year – there have been 29 cases of the disease reported in NSW.
Vaccination has meant meningococcal is becoming less common, but it can still strike any time throughout the year.
The recent death of a man in his 20s, the second death in NSW this year, has highlighted the dangers and acts as a reminder that parents and young people need to be alert to the symptoms of meningococcal disease and act immediately if they appear.
According to NSW Health there tends to be increases in late winter and early spring and there has been a slight increase in cases in recent weeks, compared with the same period over the previous five years.
Children under five and 15 to 25-year-olds are at the greatest risk of contracting the disease.
Executive Director of Health Protection NSW, Dr Jeremy McAnulty, said early intervention can be lifesaving.
“Meningococcal disease symptoms can appear suddenly and become very serious very quickly. If you suspect meningococcal disease, don’t wait for the rash – see a doctor immediately,” Dr McAnulty said.
Meningococcal disease can be fatal within hours if left untreated. Knowing the symptoms could help prevent premature death or life-long disability. They include:
Severe, unexplained limb pain
Difficulty waking up
High pitched crying in babies
Severe headache
Upset by bright lights
Stiff neck
Red-purple rash which doesn’t disappear when pressed with a glass
“While it is a well-known symptom of meningococcal disease, the rash does not always occur, or may present late in the illness,” Dr McAnulty said.
“If symptoms rapidly worsen, or if your child is very unwell, call Triple Zero (000) or go straight to your nearest emergency department.”
NSW Health says while meningococcal disease is rare, it is serious and sometimes fatal with up to one in 10 cases dying, and four in 10 infections resulting in permanent disabilities, including learning difficulties, sight and hearing problems, liver and kidney failure, loss of fingers, toes or limbs, or scarring caused by skin grafts.
Vaccination is considered the best way to protect yourself, and the community from the harmful effects of meningococcal.
Under the National Immunisation Program, meningococcal ACWY (Men ACWY) vaccine is provided free for babies at 12 months, adolescents, and people of all ages with certain medical conditions.
In NSW, the adolescent dose is delivered through the school vaccination program in Year 10.
As of July 2020, Aboriginal children up to the age of two years, and people with certain medical conditions, can also access free meningococcal B (Men B) vaccine. All children from six weeks of age can have the Men B vaccine to reduce the risk of infection.
For more information on vaccination or symptoms, transmission, risks and treatment of Meningococcal, see the NSW Health website
