Media Release 20 Dec 2007

Two unrelated cases of meningococcal disease

This statement should be attributed to a spokesperson for Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service.

The Northern Sydney Central Coast Public Health Unit has been notified of two unrelated cases of meningococcal disease from the Northern Sydney Area.

A 29 year old male was diagnosed with the disease at Royal North Shore Hospital on 19 December and has responded well to treatment. A 22 female is currently being assessed and treated for suspected meningococcal disease at Ryde Hospital.

The Public Health Unit has identified contacts of the cases and arranged clearance antibiotics for them. At this stage no links between the cases have been identified and they are thought to be unrelated.

Meningococcal disease occurs more commonly in winter and early spring and affects between 100 and 150 people in New South Wales each year.

These cases represent the 17th and 18th cases diagnosed this year among Northern Sydney Central Coast residents. This number is similar to the number of cases reported last year.

Meningococcal disease is serious and up to 10% of patients can die.

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.

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.

The number of cases of this rare disease have been falling over the last ten years, due in part due to the success of the meningococcal C vaccination program.

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

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.

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.

Where suspected or confirmed meningococcal disease has been diagnosed, public health officials will administer clearance antibiotics to close contacts of the sick person ie family members, day care, school or college / university friends. The purpose of clearance antibiotics is to eradicate any meningococcus the contacts may be carrying to prevent further transmission of the disease.

Media Contact: 0404 054 160 or 9926 8313

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