Stay alert for meningococcal symptoms

NSW Health is urging health professionals to be on alert for symptoms of meningococcal disease and act immediately if they appear after the notification of three recent cases.

So far this year, there have been 19 cases of meningococcal disease reported in NSW. The majority of cases have been due to the meningococcal B strain of the infection.

NSW Health Director Communicable Diseases, Dr Christine Selvey, said meningococcal disease is a rare disease with babies, toddlers, adolescents, and young adults being at highest risk. While vaccination of these age groups has reduced the number of infections each year, the vaccines do not protect against all strains of meningococcal bacteria and people of all ages can be infected. All people should be aware of symptoms so they can act fast.

Meningococcal disease can be fatal within hours if left untreated.

Knowing the symptoms could help prevent premature death or life-long disability.

Symptoms include:

Sudden onset of fever
Headache
Neck stiffness
Tiredness
Joint or limb pain
Dislike of bright lights
Nausea and vomiting
High-pitched crying in babies
A rash of red-purple spots or bruises, which may appear after the other symptoms or late in the disease progression

If symptoms rapidly worsen call Triple Zero (000) or go straight to your nearest emergency department, do not delay.

Children under five and 15 to 25-year-olds are at the greatest risk of contracting the
disease, and babies and adolescents should be vaccinated against meningococcal
disease.

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.

A meningococcal B vaccine is available to children from 6 weeks of age to reduce the
risk of infection from this strain of the disease. Aboriginal infants and people with
certain medical conditions are eligible for free access to this vaccine under the National immunisation Program.

For more information on vaccination or symptoms, transmission, risks and treatment of meningococcal disease, see the NSW Health website.

Download the media release for more information.