Meningococcal B case detected in two-year-old Adelaide boy

Multiple people who have been in contact with the boy have been identified and directed to receive antibiotics amid the latest case recorded in SA.

A two-year-old boy is in a stable condition in hospital after being diagnosed with invasive meningococcal.

SA Health said the little boy, from metropolitan Adelaide, was diagnosed with serotype B strain.

Multiple people have also been identified as having been in contact with the boy, and 47 people have been directed to receive clearance antibiotics to prevent further transmission.

The case brings the total number of meningococcal B cases in South Australia this year to 15, which is two fewer than this time last year.

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

“Symptoms and signs of meningococcal disease can include headache, fever, vomiting, neck stiffness, and discomfort when looking at lights,” SA Health said.

“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 may develop confusion and shock.”

Children may also be fretful, difficult to wake and refuse to eat, and may have leg pain, cold hands and feet, and a high-pitched or moaning cry.

They may also have pale, blotchy or abnormally coloured skin.

“Vaccines are available to protect against a number of types of meningococcal disease,” SA Health said.

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.

The ACWY vaccine is available and free for infants at 12 months old, and teens in Year 10.

“As vaccines do not protect against all types of meningococcal disease, vaccinated people must still be alert for the symptoms of meningococcal disease,” SA Health said.

In 2023, there were 21 meningococcal cases detected for the year, of which 17 were serogroup B, three were serogroup W, and one serogroup Y.

The state also recorded one death in 2023.