Dr Neil de Wet, Te Whatu Ora National Public Health
Service medical officer of health for Taranaki is reminding
the public and health professionals in Taranaki to be aware
of this disease and its symptoms.
“Both cases were
under five years old and thankfully were identified early.
This means they received fast, effective treatment and made
rapid recoveries. Household contacts of each of the cases
were also offered advice and preventative treatment,” says
Dr DeWet.
No direct links have been found between
these two cases; however, it is an important reminder to be
aware of this disease which can be very
serious.
“Symptoms and signs do vary, but in children
and adults can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness,
muscle and joint pain, vomiting, a dislike of bright light,
drowsiness, and convulsions. There may also be a rash
consisting of reddish-purple pin-prick spots or
bruises.
“Symptoms in babies can be more subtle and in
addition to the above, may include floppiness, refusing
feeds, pale skin and high-pitched crying,” adds Dr
DeWet.
If you suspect meningococcal disease, it is
very important to get urgent medical attention – call 111,
call your doctor, or go to a hospital. You can also call
Healthline free on 0800 611 116, 24 hours a day.
If
you have been seen by a doctor and gone home but are still
concerned, don’t hesitate to call your doctor again or seek
further medical advice. With meningococcal disease prompt
treatment with antibiotics could prevent permanent
disability and death.
Meningococcal disease can affect
anyone, however it’s more common in children under the age
of five, teenagers, and young adults.
Meningococcal
cases were lower than usual in New Zealand during the
COVID-19 pandemic but have increased again in 2022 although
not yet to the same level as the years before the
pandemic.
These two cases are the only cases reported
in the Taranaki region in 2022.
More information about
meningococcal disease is available on the Ministry of Health
website: Meningococcal
disease (including meningitis) | Ministry of Health
NZ
© Scoop Media