Second case of meningococcal disease confirmed in Wanaka

13 September 2016

Second case of meningococcal disease confirmed in Wanaka

A Mount Aspiring College senior student, who was admitted to Christchurch Hospital on 11 September, is being treated for meningococcal disease. The year 12 girl presented at Aspiring Medical Centre with symptoms on Sunday morning and was transferred to Christchurch Hospital that day. The diagnosis of meningococcal disease has been confirmed, though the strain and serogroup are still being determined.

Canterbury District Health Board confirms the girl is in serious but stable condition. Her family has asked for privacy.

Another Mt Aspiring College student, a year 13 girl, is in stable condition in Dunedin Hospital and is also being treated for meningococcal disease.

Dr Naomi Gough, Southern DHB Medical Officer of Health, says Public Health South is looking for connections between the two cases and identifying people who have been in close contact with the two students. Those considered to have had close contact will be offered antibiotics.

“Meningococcal disease is rare and not easily transmitted from person to person,” Dr Gough says. “It is transmitted only by close personal contact that allows the bacteria to pass from the nose and throat of one person to another.”

Public Health South would like to remind everybody of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease. These include (not all symptoms may be present):

· headache, nausea and neck stiffness, irritation by bright light
· looking ‘really unwell’ and getting worse
· fever
· a skin rash (reddish purple blotchy spots or bruising from bleeding into the skin).

The incubation period for meningococcal disease can be up to ten days (usually three to four days). There are several types of meningococcal disease, for example serogroups A, B, C. People who have been vaccinated previously still only get protection from the specific strains covered in the vaccines, so everyone must continue to be alert for symptoms of the disease.

“Any one who suspects they have been in contact with a person suffering from meningococcal disease and who becomes ill with fever and any of the above symptoms should be seen by a doctor without delay,” says Dr Gough. “It is very important as well for friends and family to look out for one another. Be aware of the symptoms and don’t hesitate to seek help.”

People concerned about their health should contact their primary care provider, urgent doctors or nearest emergency department, says Dr Gough. They can also obtain free advice from Healthline on 0800 611 116.

ENDS

© Scoop Media