Mass jabs to fight meningitis - New Zealand

Mass meningitis vaccinations will start in Northland on Tuesday following the death of a baby and teenager from the infection.

Rates of the meningococcal B and C, bacterial strains of meningitis, are rising nationwide, with Wellington and Northland regions the most affected.

Northland has had six cases of the C strain reported since July, including the two deaths.

Northland Health will offer free immunisation shots for everyone aged 12 months to 20 years, with high school students the first priority when jabs start on Tuesday.

Schools in Whangarei and Kerikeri, where cases of meningitis have been confirmed, will be the first targeted.

Meanwhile, rates of the B strain in Wellington also continue to rise.

A child admitted to Hutt hospital on Friday is the sixth person to contract the illness this month.

It lifts cases this year to 11, including two deaths, in the region. Eastbourne teenager Penny Lake died in April while talented rugby player Joshua Hinaki, 19, died last week.

Wellington authorities say an immunisation programme is unlikely as there is no widely effective vaccine available for the B strain.

Specialists have warned about the rapid and aggressive nature of the condition, which, when advanced, causes deadly swelling of the lining of the brain.

In the early stages, its symptoms are flu-like and non-specific, making the condition very hard to diagnose. Parents have been told to be vigilant and persistent in seeking treatment for sick children.

Source: TVNZ, New Zealand