One dead,two sick as government issues meningococcal warning

One person has died and two more are recovering after contracting meningococcal disease,and NSW Health is urging the community to remain vigilant and act immediately if they develop symptoms.

A 50-year-old Sydney resident died from the disease,while a teenager living in Sydney and a person in their 60s from the Central Coast are both recovering. None of the cases are believed to be linked.

The disease is severe and can lead to death within hours but can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early,said NSW Health director of communicable diseases Dr Christine Selvey.

“Meningococcal disease can be very serious,but early treatment is life-saving,so it is important that symptoms are recognised early,” she said. “We are urging the NSW community to be vigilant for symptoms,even if they have been vaccinated,and to seek medical assistance early if they are concerned.”

Meningococcal is caused by the bacteriumNeisseriameningitidis,which can cause infections of the lining of the brain,spinal cord and bloodstream. Symptoms can develop within hours and include the sudden onset of fever,joint or limb pain,nausea and vomiting.

As the disease progresses,it can cause rashes of reddish-purple dots and bruises. In babies,high-pitched crying can be a tell-tale sign.

Children under five,and people between 15 and 25,are at the greatest risk of contracting the disease.

Vaccination of at-risk age groups has reduced the number of infections each year,but the vaccines do not protect against all strains of meningococcal bacteria,and Selvey said it was important for people of all ages to know the symptoms and how to act.

“If symptoms rapidly worsen,call triple zero or go straight to your nearest emergency department;do not delay,” she said.