National Public Health Service Medical Officer of Health
Dr Ramon Pink confirmed this afternoon that a second case of
meningococcal disease has been reported in an 18-year-old
student, and the student had been admitted to Christchurch
Hospital.
“This is the fourth case of meningococcal
disease in Canterbury this year,” says Dr
Pink.
“We have identified the close contacts of this
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.”
Meningococcal
disease is a fast-moving illness, which has symptoms similar
to a number of other illnesses such as COVID-19 and
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 five, 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.
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