Meningococcal: Child under 12 months diagnosed in Hunter New England region
Almost a year on from the death of a toddler in Quirindi, a baby has been struck down by the deadly meningococcal disease. The child is now in recovery.
Newcastle
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A baby under 12-months-old has been diagnosed with the deadly meningococcal disease in Newcastle, prompting warnings from health authorities.
The child is the latest infected in the Hunter New England region, one of the six meningococcal cases so far this year.
The baby is currently in a stable condition and now recovering at home as those who came into close contact are being treated with clearance antibiotics.
Hunter New England Health is urging the community to be alert of the signs and symptoms of the rare and potentially devastating disease – amid the COVID-19 pandemic – which can result in severe disability or death within 24 hours.
Public health physician, Dr Tony Merritt said it’s important there is community awareness of this deadly disease.
“Meningococcal disease can occur at any time of year, but we typically see a peak in cases in spring following the winter flu season,” Dr Merritt said.
“Most cases occur in infants, young children, teenagers and young adults, although people of any age can be affected.”
It comes almost a year on from the tragic death of little Donald Peach in the Hunter New England region.
The 20-month-old from Quirindi never stood a chance as he was struck down by the invasive meningococcal B within 24 hours.
The toddler’s family watched helplessly as paramedics, doctors and nurses tried to save his life but couldn’t.
In his honour, the family started a change.org petition to urge other parents and carers to be aware of all meningococcal strains and vaccinations on offer, with the B strain not available on the free schedule to most.
Meningococcal infection does not spread easily. It is spread by secretions from the nose and throat of a person who is carrying the bacteria and close and prolonged contact is needed to pass it on.
Meningococcal disease usually begins with the sudden onset of fever, often with headache, nausea and drowsiness. Neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and a rash of reddish-purple spots or bruises may develop rapidly.
Babies with the infection may be irritable, not feed properly and have an abnormal cry.
The National Immunisation Program includes a combined vaccination for meningococcal A, C, W and Y disease at the age of 12 months.
The Meningococcal B vaccination is now available free for Aboriginal children under two years of age and is given free to Aboriginal children on the routine childhood immunisation schedule at six weeks, four months and twelve months of age.