Warning after Victorian schoolie’s potentially deadly infection

Victorian schoolies partying in a hotspot have been warned they may have been exposed to a life-threatening disease.

People aged 15 to 25 are among the most at-risk group of infection. Picture: iStock

Schoolies should be “alert” for meningococcal symptoms, after a Victorian teenager who celebrated in Queensland contracted the infectious disease.

The Health Department issued an alert on Wednesday, warning that people who attended social venues in Maroochydore between November 26 and December 2 were at risk.

While infections are rare because of vaccination, the disease can be deadly and children under five-years-old and those aged 15 to 25 are most likely to be infected.

Victoria’ deputy chief health officer Deborah Friedman said the “close contact between young people at events like Schoolies” increased the risk of spread.

“People who suspect symptoms of this disease should immediately seek medical attention — early treatment for meningococcal is life-saving,” associate professor Friedman said.

Symptoms listed by the alert included 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 health alert was issued on Wednesday.

But the department warned young children can have “non-specific symptoms” such as irritability, difficulty waking, high-pitched crying and refusing food.

The 18-year old is the 14th known meningococcal case in Victoria this year.

Associate professor Friedman said the best way to protect yourself from the “harmful” effects of the disease was vaccination.

The meningococcal ACWY vaccine is free for 12-month-old babies, teenagers and people with certain medical conditions.

The meningococcal B vaccine is only free for people with certain medical conditions and Indigenous toddlers, but anyone over the age of six weeks can pay to receive one.