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 coldvomitingmuscle and joint aches and pains.
Common symptoms of meningitis include:a headache, which may be severea stiff necksensitivity to bright lightdrowsiness 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.