01 October 2008

Meningococcal Disease Warning

The NSW Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, today reminded the community to be alert for the signs and symptoms of meningococcal given winter and early spring is the peak season for the disease. "With six cases reported in the last two weeks, we need everyone to remain vigilant for the meningococcal warning signs, as this disease can strike quickly and sometimes be fatal," said Professor Bishop.

"Most cases are seen in infants, young children, teenagers and young adults, however people of any age can be infected. But if caught and treated early the majority of cases make a full recovery.

"This is why, during this peak time for cases, we are asking people, particularly parents, to be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of the disease.

"The first symptoms can be vague and may include leg pain, abnormal skin colour and cold hands and feet.

"Babies with the infection may be irritable, not feeding properly and have an abnormal cry."
Symptoms in older children and adults can include:
- high fever
- headache
- drowsiness
- neck stiffness
-nausea and vomiting
- eye sensitivity to bright lights
- a blotchy purple-red skin rash.

Overall the number of cases of meningococcal disease in NSW has fallen substantially in recent years.

In 2000, 247 cases were notified compared against only 110 cases notified in 2007. There have been 63 cases of meningococcal illness reported so far this year, down from the 79 cases over the same period last year.

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that causes either meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or septicaemia (blood poisoning).

Type B and C are the two main strains of meningococcal disease in Australia.
"This means that people who have had the meningococcal C vaccine should still be on the look out for symptoms," reminded Professor Bishop.

The meningococcal C vaccine is recommended for all babies at 12 months of age and provided free for people up to 25 years of age in NSW.

Since the introduction of this vaccine into the routine childhood vaccination schedule and NSW schools program in 2003, fewer people have had meningococcal C, with only 6 cases this year. Previously this strain accounted for around one quarter of NSW cases.

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