29 November 2009

Two confirmed cases of meningococcal disease following school formal

Two adults with confirmed meningococcal disease are in a stable condition and are being treated with antibiotics in a hospital in the South Eastern Sydney region.

South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service (SESIH) Public Health Unit (PHU) was notified of the two cases on the evening of Wednesday, 25 November. Following interviews with them and their families, the PHU has identified and advised close contacts requiring appropriate treatment in accordance with guidelines for the public health management of meningococcal disease.

Both cases had attended the Aquinas College Menai year 12 school formal on Thursday, 19 November. With the assistance of the school and venue management, letters have been issued to all year twelve students, their families, other guests and staff who were present at the school formal to provide information about meningococcal disease.

Acting Director of Public Health Unit, SESIH, Dr Philippa Binns said the risk of others developing meningococcal disease in this instance was very low. Close contacts and those contacted who attended and/or worked at the school formal did not need to change their activity in any way; however they should be aware of any signs of symptoms of meningococcal disease.

"Meningococcal infection does not spread easily from person to person. It is spread by secretions from the back of 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 Binns said.

Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious illness that usually causes meningitis and/or septicaemia. About 10 per cent of the population carry meningococcal bacteria at the back of the nose and throat without showing any illness or symptoms.

The symptoms of meningococcal disease to look out for include a combination of:

• Sudden onset of fever
• Sore joints and muscles
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Neck stiffness
• Dislike of bright lights
• Tiredness
• A pin-prick rash may appear anywhere on the skin and can quickly change into large red purple blotches which do not disappear with light pressure on the skin. Sometimes a rash does not appear at all.
• Very early symptoms may include leg pain, cold hands and feet and abnormal skin colour.

It is important for people who have any of the above symptoms to see a doctor without delay.

Dr Binns stressed that while meningococcal disease could be serious, in most cases, early detection and treatment resulted in a complete recovery.

Meningococcal C vaccine is recommended for all babies at 12 months of age and provided free via the National Immunisation Program. In NSW it is also made available free for people up to 25 years of age who have not yet had the vaccine as part of the school-based vaccination program.

Further information on meningococcal disease is available at: www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/infectious/meningococcal.html

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