A young child has been diagnosed with meningococcal disease in the seventh case of the disease in the Hunter New England Health region this year.
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Close contacts of the patient - who remains in a stable condition - will be prescribed antibiotics and there are no links between this case and any previous cases.
There were 11 confirmed cases of meningococcal disease in the Hunter New England Local Health District last year and nine confirmed cases in 2012, 15 in 2011 and 13 in 2010.
Public Health physician Dr Tony Merritt said seeking medical attention quickly may prevent the development of serious complications.
"Meningococcal disease may be very severe and the community needs to be on the alert for its symptoms. If anyone suspects meningococcal disease, they should seek medical attention immediately," Dr Merritt said.
Up to 10 per cent of patients with invasive meningococcal disease in Australia die as a result of the infection.
The first symptoms of meningococcal disease may include pain in the legs, cold hands and feet and abnormal skin colour.
Later symptoms may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights, nausea and vomiting, a rash of reddish-purple spots or bruises and drowsiness.
Babies with the infection can be irritable, not feed properly and have an abnormal cry.