Hunter New England Health has issued a community alert after the death of an elderly man from meningococcal disease.
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This is the eighth case of meningococcal disease from the Hunter New England region this year.
Close contacts of the man have been prescribed clearance antibiotics but authorities say there are no links between this case and any previous cases.
Public health physician, Dr David Durrheim, said meningococcal disease could be very severe and the community needed to be on the alert for its symptoms.
“If anyone suspects meningococcal disease, they should seek medical attention immediately,” he said.
“Up to 10 per cent of patients with invasive meningococcal disease in Australia die as a result of the infection.
“Meningococcal infection does not spread easily – it is spread by secretions from 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.”
The first symptoms of meningococcal disease may include: pain in the legs, cold hands and feet, and abnormal skin colour.
Later symptoms may include: high fever, headache and neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights, nausea and vomiting, ?a rash of reddish-purple spots or bruises, and drowsiness.
Babies with the infection can be irritable, not feed properly and have an abnormal cry.
Dr Durrheim stressed that while meningococcal disease could be serious, in most cases, early detection and treatment resulted in a complete recovery.
“Most cases of meningococcal disease are seen in infants, young children, teenagers and young adults, although people of any age can be infected,” he said.
“Several strains of meningococcal bacteria cause disease in Australia – previously the meningococcal C strain was common, but this is now rare following introduction of meningococcal C vaccine on the National Immunisation Program in 2003.
“Other strains are currently the most common. This means that young people who have had the meningococcal C vaccine should still be on the look out for symptoms.”
Dr Durrheim said the number of cases had been falling over the past 10 years due in part to the success of the meningococcal C vaccination program.
“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 arrange for information and clearance antibiotics to be provided to close contacts, such as other members of the person’s household.”
