National Public Health Service Medical Officer of Health
Dr Ramon Pink confirmed that an 18-year-old student was
admitted to Christchurch Hospital this week with
meningococcal disease.
“This is the third case of
meningococcal disease in Canterbury this year,” says Dr
Pink.
“We have identified the close contacts of the
person and they have all received antibiotics, to prevent
them developing meningococcal disease. The bacteria pass
from one person to another through secretions from the nose
or throat, during close or prolonged contact and the chance
of anyone else catching it is low.
“Members of the
same household as a person who has the disease are at the
highest risk of getting it, including those living in a hall
of residence or boarding schools.
“It is free for
those in in their first year of living in halls of residence
or in boarding schools to get vaccinated against
meningococcal disease and I would strongly encourage those
who are eligible to get their vaccinations for the extra
protection, whether that is at your student health medical
centre or general practice,” says Dr
Pink
Meningococcal disease is a fast-moving illness,
which has symptoms similar to a number of other illnesses
such as influenza.
“It’s a bacterial infection
that can cause two very serious illnesses: meningitis (an
infection of the membranes that cover the brain) and
septicaemia (blood poisoning). It can affect anyone – but
it’s more common in children under the age of 5,
teenagers, and young adults.
“Up to 15% of people
carry the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease in their
nose and throat without being sick. In some people, for
reasons we don’t fully understand, these bacteria
sometimes go on to cause disease, spreading through the
bloodstream (causing blood poisoning) or to the brain
(causing meningitis). The bacteria are
spread in secretions from the nose or throat by coughing,
sneezing and kissing,” Dr Pink said.
Signs and
symptoms of meningococcal disease
Meningococcal
disease symptoms typically develop very quickly over a few
hours, but in some cases may develop more slowly over
several days. A person with meningococcal disease may only
have some of the symptoms. The symptoms don’t develop in any
particular order.
Common symptoms of meningococcal
disease include:
- a fever (high temperature),
although their hands and feet may feel
cold - vomiting
- muscle and joint aches and
pains.
Common symptoms of meningitis
include:
- a headache, which may be
severe - a stiff neck
- sensitivity to bright
light - drowsiness and confusion (being hard to wake
them).
A red or purple rash is common, but it
doesn’t always happen. One or two spots can appear anywhere
on the body then many more appear looking like rash or
bruises.
If you’re concerned that someone in your
family might have meningococcal disease, call your doctor
straight away or dial 111. Say what the symptoms
are.
In Canterbury you can call your own general
practice team 24/7 and after-hours when the practice is
closed simply follow the instructions on the answer phone to
be put through to a health professional who can provide free
health advice. You can also call Healthline 0800 611 116
24/7.
If you have seen a doctor and gone home, but are
still concerned, don’t hesitate to call your doctor again or
seek further medical advice.
More information on
prevention can be found here: https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/meningococcal-disease-including-meningitis
© Scoop Media
Discussion about this post