27 August 2007

Meningococcal disease

NSW Health has advised the community to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease in the lead up to spring, as this time of year can typically be a peak period for the disease.

"Early identification and treatment of meningococcal disease is vital. So reminding the community especially parents of infants, young children and adolescents to remain alert to the signs and symptoms, particularly at this time of year can be lifesaving," Dr Andrew Marich, medical epidemiologist for NSW Health said.

Dr Marich said sometimes the first symptoms of meningococcal disease 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 blotchy purple-red rash
• drowsiness

"Babies with the infection can be irritable, not feed properly and have an abnormal cry," Dr Marich said.

Dr Marich confirmed that in NSW so far this year, there have been 67 cases of meningococcal disease reported to NSW Health which is the same number of cases as were reported for the same period last year.

"Although the number of cases of this rare disease have been falling over the last ten years, in part due to the success of the meningococcal C vaccination program, meningococcal disease is serious and up to 10 per cent of patients can die.

"In 2007, two people have died, compared to four for the same period last year.

"It's also important to be aware that the vaccine does not protect against the main strain of the disease, so watch out for the symptoms even if you have been vaccinated.

"We know that some people who have recently had a respiratory tract infection seem to be at increased risk of meningococcal disease and it's important that people don't ignore new symptoms if they've recently been sick," Dr Marich said.
Dr Marich said that most cases of meningococcal disease are seen in infants, young children, teenagers and young adults, although people of any age can be infected.

"Early detection and treatment can, in the majority of cases, result in full recovery.

"In most cases the infection is effectively treated with antibiotics but to have the best chance people need to be treated with injectable antibiotics as soon as the infection is suspected," Dr Marich said.

"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," Dr Marich said.

Dr Marich confirmed 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.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au