A child is in a stable condition in a Hunter hospital with a confirmed case of meningococcal disease.
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Close contacts of the child have been prescribed clearance antibiotics and there are no links between this case and any previous cases.
"Meningococcal disease may be very severe and the community needs to be on the alert for its symptoms, particularly as we move into winter,” public health physician, Dr Craig Dalton said.
“If anyone suspects meningococcal disease, they should seek medical attention immediately.
“The meningococcal C vaccine is recommended for all babies at 12 months of age. Vaccines provide the best protection if they are completed on time so please visit your GP or child and family health nurse if your child is due to be vaccinated".
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.
"Meningococcal infection does not spread easily,” Dr Dalton said.
“It is spread by secretions from the nose and throat of a person who is carrying it and close and prolonged contact is needed to pass it on. It does not appear to be spread through saliva or by sharing drinks, food or cigarettes."
He stressed that while meningococcal disease could be serious, in most cases, early detection and treatment resulted in a complete recovery.
Most cases of meningococcal disease are seen in infants, young children, teenagers and young adults, although people of any age can be infected.
Several strains of meningococcal bacteria cause disease in Australia. Previously the meningococcal C strain was common, but this is now rare following introduction of meningococcal C vaccine on the National Immunisation Program in 2003.
Other strains are currently the most common. This means that young people who have had the meningococcal C vaccine should still be on the look out for symptoms.
This is the fourth case of meningococcal disease from the Hunter New England region this year.
In 2015 there were nine confirmed cases of meningococcal disease in the Hunter New England Local Health District. There were 11 confirmed cases in 2014, 11 confirmed cases in 2013, nine in 2012, 15 in 2011 and 13 in 2010.