Meningococcal spate hits Northland - New Zealand

A spate of meningococcal cases in Northland has health authorities on the verge of declaring an outbreak, as an eighth person is admitted to hospital with symptoms of the disease.

Seven people have contracted meningococcal disease in the region, with two deaths during the past two months.

Northland Medical Officer of Health Claire Mills said there was no clear link among any of the recent cases.

A 14-month old from the Far North admitted to Whangarei hospital last weekend was the latest confirmed case.

The child was now in a stable condition.

However a 15-year-old boy, also from the Far North, was admitted to intensive care on Wednesday with symptoms of meningococcal disease, and may prove to be the eighth case.

At this stage, staff did not know what type of meningococcal disease the most recent cases were, she said.

"[The cases] appear to be sporadic, rather than a cluster. A cluster is when you would see a group of close contacts linked to a common source."

Mills said the number of cases and tragic deaths was very concerning.

An 18-year-old man died in of the disease in the Whangarei District Hospital's intensive care unit last Saturday, four days after being admitted.

Seven days previously, a 14-month-old boy from Ruakaka died at Starship Hospital in August.

Mills said staff were following up with contacts of the two latest admissions, offering advice, antibiotics and vaccination.

"We are working hard to prevent more cases," she said.

"We are also reminding GPs about the importance of diagnosing and treating meningococcal disease early."

"We are getting a number of inquiries about meningococcal C vaccine from members of the public. Please discuss this with your doctor if you have questions about vaccination. There are different types of meningococcal disease, not all of which have a vaccine available."

"We are also working closely with the Ministry of Health and seeking expert advice on what additional steps we can take to prevent further cases."

Meningococcal disease was a bacterial infection. Symptoms in babies and young children may include fever, irritability, sleepiness, floppiness, being hard to wake, refusing drink or food, vomiting and a rash.

Adults could have similar symptoms and may also have a stiff neck, headache and sensitivity to lights.

Early treatment with antibiotics was important, and could prevent death or permanent disability such as damage to the brain or deafness.

Source: The Press, New Zealand