A two-year-old boy is in hospital after contracting meningococcal disease

A two-year-old boy from metropolitan Adelaide is in hospital after contracting invasive meningococcal disease.

A two-year old boy is in hospital with invasive meningococcal disease, while four other people have been put on a course of antibiotics to prevent further spread of the potentially deadly disease.

SA Health said the boy from metropolitan Adelaide was in a “stable condition’’ and it had identified “multiple people’’ who have come into contact with the child.

“Symptoms and signs of meningococcal disease can include headache, fever, vomiting, neck stiffness, and discomfort when looking at lights,’’ SA Health said.

“A skin rash may occur, with tiny red or purple spots that soon spread and enlarge to look like fresh bruises.

“At later stages of the illness, people may develop confusion and shock.

“In addition, children may be fretful, difficult to wake and refuse to eat. They may have leg pain, cold hands and feet, and a high-pitched or moaning cry. Children may also have pale, blotchy or abnormally coloured skin.’’

There have been 11 cases of meningococcal in South Australia this year, compared with nine at the same time last year.

Originally published as A two-year-old boy is in hospital after contracting meningococcal disease