Meningococcal death: Man in 50s dies of B strain at Westmead Hospital
The public has been reminded to be aware of meningococcal disease symptoms following the death of a patient at Westmead Hospital.
Parramatta
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Western Sydney Local Health District is reminding the community to be aware of the meningococcal disease symptoms after a man in his 50s died from the B strain at Westmead Hospital this week.
WSLHD Public Health director Dr Shopna Bag advised that people who were in close contact with the patient have been prescribed clearance antibiotics and there was not an ongoing risk to the public but to act fast if symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, headaches, nausea and drowsiness were experienced.
“Meningococcal disease is very uncommon in NSW,’’ Dr Bag said.
“Only two other cases have been notified in WSLHD this year, and only two cases for the whole of last year.
“It is important to know the symptoms and act fast if they occur. People with meningococcal disease can become sick very quickly and the disease can be deadly within hours of the first symptom.”
Other symptoms may include vomiting, abdominal pain, neck stiffness, photophobia (dislike of bright lights), joint pain, and irritability.
A red-purple rash that does not disappear when pressure is applied is typical, but does not always appear or may only occur late in the disease.
Babies with the infection may be irritable, not feed properly and have an abnormal cry.
“If you suspect meningococcal disease, don’t wait for the rash – see a doctor urgently,” Dr Bag said.
Vaccination is the best means of protection against meningococcal disease.