Young Ulverstone child hospitalised with meningococcal disease

A preschooler has been hospitalised with a rare and deadly disease, as Public Health rush to contact trace with family and friends.

• Tasmanian student contracts meningococcal
• Meningococcal strikes man in state’s North-West

A YOUNG child from the state’s North-West has been hospitalised with rare and serious meningococcal disease.

The child, who attends Ulverstone Child Care, was diagnosed on Friday. This is the state’s third case this year.

Deputy Public Health director Fay Johnston said the child was in a stable condition at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

“Public Health Services worked over the weekend to provide information and advice to the family and close contacts of the child,” she said.

“The contacts included family members, several staff and children who attend the centre.”

Dr Johnston said an information sheet was also sent to all parents of children who attend the centre.

“The close contacts have been advised to have an antibiotic treatment to clear any meningococcal bacteria they might be carrying. This is to help prevent spread to others,” she said.

“The chance of a close contact also developing the disease is very low.

“All children can continue to attend the centre and visit other places. There is no need for isolation or quarantine of people who are close contacts of a person with meningococcal disease.”

The strain of bacteria is yet to be identified.

“Anyone from the Ulverstone community seeking further information is asked to contact the Public Health Hotline – Tasmania on 1800 671 738 (option five) to speak to a clinical nurse consultant,” Dr Johnston said.

Meningococcal is mainly spread through droplets transmitted from the mouth and nose through sneezing, coughing or close personal contact.

Immunisation against more common strains are part of the national immunisation schedule for children and those at high risk.

Public Health recommends the community stays up to date with their recommended vaccines.

Numbers of meningococcal cases peaked in 2017 with 16 cases.

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Originally published as Young Ulverstone child hospitalised with meningococcal disease