Adelaide woman, aged in her 30s, diagnosed with Meningococcal B, in a critical condition in hospital

An Adelaide woman is fighting for life in hospital after being diagnosed with an invasive and uncommon disease.

An Adelaide woman is fighting for life after being diagnosed with meningococcal. Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE / AFP

An Adelaide woman is fighting for life after being diagnosed with invasive meningococcal.

The woman, aged in her 30s, was diagnosed with serotype B strain and is in a critical condition in hospital.

SA Health has identified several close contacts of the woman and five people have been prescribed antibiotics to prevent the disease from spreading.

The case brings the total number of meningococcal B cases in South Australia this year to 23, which is six more than last year.

It is the most common strain of the disease detected this year, with just three serogroup Y cases recorded so far in 2024.

Symptoms and signs 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,” SA Health said.

“At later stages of the illness, people may develop confusion and shock. The disease can progress very rapidly and medical care should be urgently sought.”

In 2023 there were 21 meningococcal cases detected for the year, and SA also recorded one death.

Meningococcal B vaccines in South Australia are available and free for infants at six weeks, four months, and 12 months, and for teens in Year 10.