A case of invasive meningococcal disease has been notified in a woman in her 80s from rural South Australia. The patient has been admitted to hospital and is in a stable condition.
The strain has been identified as serotype W.
SA Health has identified multiple people who have had contact with the patient, of whom five have been directed to receive clearance antibiotics.
Meningococcal health information has been distributed to contacts in accordance with the Invasive Meningococcal Disease CommunicableDiseases Network Australia: National Guidelines for Public Health Units.
There have been six cases of invasive meningococcal disease reported in South Australia this year, compared to three cases recorded at the same time last year. Of the six cases, five are serogroup B and one is serogroup W.
A total of 14 cases were reported in 2022. Of the 14 cases, 12 were serogroup B, one was serogroup Y and one was not serogroupable.
Symptoms of meningococcal disease can include headache, fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and discomfort when looking at lights. A skin rash may occur with tiny red or purple spots that soon spread and enlarge to look like fresh bruises. At later stages of the illness people can develop confusion and shock.
In addition, children can be fretful, difficult to wake and refuse to eat. They may have leg pain, cold hands and feet, and a high-pitched or moaning cry. Children can also have pale, blotchy or abnormally coloured skin.
Vaccines are available to protect against various types of meningococcal disease. In South Australia, the meningococcal B vaccine is available and free for infants at six weeks, four months and 12 months, and in adolescents in Year 10. The meningococcal ACWY vaccine is available for infants at 12 months and in adolescents in Year 10.
As vaccines do not protect against all types of meningococcal disease, vaccinated people must still be alert for symptoms.
