Deadly meningococcal poses threat to partying Schoolies
Schoolies are being warned by doctors they are at high risk of a potentially deadly disease that can be transferred through kissing, and mimic a hangover, as cases in Queensland rise.
Schoolies are at high risk of potentially deadly disease that can mimic a hangover, doctors warn.
Known as the kissing disease meningococcal can be spread through close contact and teenagers aged 15-19 are one of the highest-risk groups.
Cases of the devastating infection have surpassed 100 this year nationally and Queensland is a hotspot with 22 cases.
In rare cases, the bacteria from the disease can cause serious illness which can progress rapidly, sometimes becoming fatal within 24 to 48 hours.
Across all age groups up to 10 per cent of cases prove fatal while one in five survivors are left with life-changing disabilities such as limb loss or brain injury.
Meningococcal is a fast-progressing bacterial infection that can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and blood poisoning (septicaemia).
Early signs of the disease include vomiting, sensitivity to light, headache, confusion, drowsiness and loss of appetite, which have the potential to be mistaken for a common illness or even a hangover – delaying urgent care.
While a rash is one of the most recognised symptoms, it often appears late or not at all.
Doctors warn it is critical to seek urgent medical attention at the earliest sign of
infection, especially if symptoms worsen quickly.
Gold Coast University Hospital, Infectious Disease Specialist, Peter Simos, warns that meningococcal disease can progress rapidly and every second without treatment risks irreversible damage.
“The concern during Schoolies is that teens may dismiss early flu-like symptoms. I encourage anyone feeling unwell — even if in doubt -— to seek medical help. Don’t leave it too late,” Dr Simos said.
Meningitis Centre Australia chief executive Karen Quick warns that awareness is critical.
“Most teens don’t see themselves as being at risk and this lack of awareness along with an absence of parental vigilance could mean symptoms are missed, delaying urgent medical care. A simple conversation before Schoolies could help save a life. Knowing what to look for, and acting fast if something feels wrong, can make all the difference.”
The shock reality is that carriage of the disease peaks at one in four in 19-year-olds compared to just one in twenty for infants, making them the primary source of transmission
Originally published as Deadly meningococcal poses threat to partying Schoolies
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