PARENTS and young people are urged to be alert for the symptoms of meningococcal disease and act immediately if they appear, following the deaths of three people.
NSW Health says meningococcal disease is a rare, serious and sometimes fatal infection and so far this year, there have been 29 cases reported in NSW, with the majority due to meningococcal B strain.
Sadly, a woman in her late teens died from the disease earlier this month – the third meningococcal-related death in NSW this year.
While the disease is now uncommon thanks to vaccination, there has been a slight increase in cases in recent weeks compared with the same period over the previous five years.
Executive Director of Health Protection NSW, Dr Jeremy McAnulty says early intervention can be lifesaving and if you suspect meningococcal disease, “don’t wait for the rash – see a doctor immediately”.
“Meningococcal disease symptoms can appear suddenly and become very serious very quickly. I urge everyone not to discount symptoms when they appear or assume it may be just a mild infection,” he said.
Knowing the symptoms could help prevent premature death or life-long disability. They include: Severe, unexplained limb pain; difficulty waking up; high pitched crying in babies; severe headache; upset by bright lights; stiff neck; and a red-purple rash which doesn’t disappear when pressed with a glass.
“If symptoms rapidly worsen, or if your child is very unwell, call Triple Zero (000) or go straight to your nearest emergency department,” Dr McAnulty said.
