01 December 2009

Three confirmed cases of meningococcal disease

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

All three cases had attended the Aquinas College Menai year 12 school formal on Thursday, 19 November.

South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service (SESIH) Public Health Unit (PHU) has identified and advised close contacts of all three cases requiring appropriate treatment, in accordance with guidelines for the public health management of meningococcal disease.

SESIH PHU can confirm the meningococcal cases are within the Aquinas College Menai year 12 school group who attended the school formal.

A NSW Health expert panel today recommended the Aquinas College Menai year 12 school students who attended the school formal receive clearance antibiotics. 

SESIH PHU are currently contacting all Aquinas College Menai year twelve students who attended the school formal and will provide clearance antibiotics to these students from tomorrow via clinics established by SESIH PHU.

With the assistance of the school and venue management, letters were previously 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.

Director of Public Health Unit, SESIH, Professor Ferson 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 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," Professor Ferson said.

The symptoms of meningococcal disease to look out for include a combination of:
o Sudden onset of fever  o Sore joints and muscles
o Nausea and vomiting   o Headache
o Neck stiffness    o Dislike of bright lights
o Tiredness
o 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.
o 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.

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

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