Meningococcal warning: 65-year-old coast women diagnosed

A health warning has been issued across the Central Coast following a confirmed case of meningococcal disease.

A 65-year-old coast woman has a confirmed case of meningococcal disease

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A health warning has been issued following a confirmed case of meningococcal disease on the Central Coast.

Central Coast Local Health District is reminding the community to be aware of the

symptoms of the disease after confirmation of a second case of the disease this year in a local resident.

A 65 year-old woman from the coast became unwell while visiting family in Victoria where she remains in hospital, in a stable condition, with the W strain of the disease.

The first case for the region this year was in May with an 81 year-old woman confirmed with the Y strain of the disease. The woman made a full recovery and was discharged from hospital.

Central Coast Local Health's director of public health Dr Peter Lewis.

Former St Peters Tuggerah student Mischelle Rhodes, 19, died of meningococcal disease at Gosford Hospital last year.

Central Coast Local Health District director public health Dr Peter Lewis said close contacts of the 65 year-old woman have been prescribed clearance antibiotics to reduce the risk of it being spread.

“Meningococcal bacteria are not easily spread from person to person and the bacteria do not survive well outside the human body.,” he said.

“Although meningococcal disease is very uncommon in NSW it can be a very serious illness and it is important that the community are aware of the symptoms and seek early medical care.”

Vaccinations are offered on the National Immunisation Program

Symptoms of meningococcal disease may include sudden onset of fever, headache, neck stiffness, joint pain, a rash of red-purple spots or bruises, dislike of bright lights nausea and vomiting.

The bacteria are passed between people in the secretions from the back of the nose and throat. This generally requires close and prolonged contact with a person carrying the bacteria who is usually completely well, such as living in the same

household.

Vaccination for meningococcal disease, types A, C, W and Y, is available on the National Immunisation Program for infants at 12 months of age and adolescents in Year 10.

Any adolescents aged 15 to 19 years who miss the vaccine in school are eligible for a free vaccine from their GP.

For more information download a NSW Health Fact Sheet.