Vigilance urged due to increase in meningococcal disease

12/09/2009 | Increase in meningococcal disease

A recent rise in meningococcal cases has prompted a reminder from MidCentral Health to be vigilant. Over the past few weeks six meningococcal cases have been diagnosed from different areas around the MidCentral District Health Board region. These cases have all been in people under the age of 20 years and all have responded well after receiving timely antibiotic treatment.  These cases would not have been prevented by the recent MeNZBTM vaccination campaign as they have been shown to be a different strain of the meningococcal bug.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr Jill McKenzie, says “This is a good time to ensure that people know what symptoms to look out for and when to seek help.”

“Meningococcal disease often begins with a flu-like illness. Symptoms may include a rash that does not fade when pressed (similar to tiny bruises under the skin), fever, severe headache, dislike of bright lights, nausea and vomiting, confusion and drowsiness. Very young children may be difficult to wake and refusing feeds.

“Anyone with these symptoms should be taken to a doctor immediately.  Early recognition of the symptoms, and treatment with antibiotics, is the key to stopping the potentially serious outcomes from blood poisoning (septicaemia) or meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord and brain lining).

Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria (bugs) that can live in the back of the nose or throat of well people and, occasionally, it can cause meningitis or blood poisoning.  It is passed onto others by saliva (spit).

Simple steps can prevent this bacteria being passed on - practice good hand hygiene, and avoid sharing drinks or drink bottles, lip balm, toothbrushes or other things that could pass on saliva, Dr McKenzie says.

Most cases of meningococcal disease occur in people under the age of 20 years - especially in the very young - and people who live in a place where there are lots of young adults or adults living closely together.  The disease more commonly affects children from our Pacific and Māori communities.

“Although the illness can begin with symptoms similar to other illnesses, the key is to keep a close eye on members of your family who are sick, and if they start to get worse, seek urgent medical attention.”

For more information go to http://www.moh.govt.nz/meningococcal

CONTACT

:
Dr Jill McKenzie, Medical Officer of Health: (06) 350 8464,
or Communications Unit: (06)350-8945