Coroner to investigate teenager’s death of suspected meningococcal infection

UPDATED: WIDER vaccination against meningococcal could be considered by Tasmanian health authorities following the death of a teenager, acting Health Minister Elise Archer says.

UPDATED: WIDER vaccination against meningococcal could be considered by Tasmanian health authorities following the death of a teenager, acting Health Minister Elise Archer says.

A Hobart teenager died from a suspected meningococcal infection on Thursday.

Meningococcal C vaccine is part of the National Immunisation Program and is free for children aged 12 months, while the Meningococcal B vaccine is available on private prescription.

The State Government funded a free meningococcal W vaccine for teenagers aged 15-19 years from term three of last year until April 30 this year in response to a sharp rise in W strain cases.

“I understand at this point of time they will be looking at priority cases and of course that involves people that may have come into contact with the person involved in the last 24 hours of that death,” Ms Archer said.

“In relation to wider vaccines, I’m sure that is the subject of current considerations of public health.”

Ms Archer said it was too early to comment on the individual case — the first in Tasmania this year.

“Public health is complying with all of the necessary protocols that are in place nationally when there is a detection like this,” she said.

“We are in the early stages.

“Tests are being carried out as to exactly the nature of the cause of death.

“Of course there is also going to be a coroner’s inquiry in relation to this.

“I don’t want to pre-empt or discuss anything surrounding the circumstances of this case but do encourage people to contact their GP if they feel they have symptoms.

“Obviously the symptoms are very similar to flu symptoms and should be taken seriously.”

Ms Archer extended the State Government’s condolences to the family and friends of the deceased teenager.

EARLIER: A HOBART teenager has died from a suspected meningococcal infection.

Public Health director Mark Veitch said authorities were notified after the girl’s death yesterday of laboratory evidence of meningococcal infection.

Dr Veitch said the small number of people in close, recent contact with the teenager were being provided with antibiotics in case they were carrying the infection.

The wider circle of contacts of the teenager will be provided with information about meningococcal disease.

“Population Health Services staff are involved in the public health response to this case and extend their condolences to the girl’s family and friends,” he said.

“If you think you or someone close to you has meningococcal disease seek help immediately from your doctor, hospital emergency department or ambulance.

“Second, linked cases are uncommon, but awareness and early treatment are important.”

If confirmed this would be Tasmania’s first case of meningococcal disease this year.

“The coroner has opened an investigation so it is inappropriate to provide further comments,” he said.

There were 16 confirmed Tasmanian cases of meningococcal last year. In February last year a meningococcal case was confirmed in the North after a child in Trevallyn was diagnosed with the disease.

The last death in Tasmania was last August when 19-year-old West Australian Lloyd Dunham died at the Royal Hobart Hospital while he was holidaying in the state.

MORE: TRIBUTES FLOW FOR WA TEEN

Albany man Lloyd Dunham died from meningococcal disease while holidaying in the state last year. Picture: FACEBOOK

Dr Veitch said meningococcal disease was a rare but serious condition.

It can cause lifelong disability in up to 20 per cent of cases and death in 5-10 per cent of cases. About 10 per cent of the population carries harmless meningococcal bacteria in their nose and throat.

It’s diagnosed in blood samples or fluid samples from around the spinal cord.

It’s spread through secretions in the nose and throat.

Symptoms may include fever, aches, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and confusion.

Meningococcal C vaccine is part of the National Immunisation Program and is free for children aged 12 months while the Meningococcal B vaccine is available on private prescription.

The State Government funded a free meningococcal W vaccine for teenagers aged 15-19 years from term three of last year until April 30 this year in response to a sharp rise in W strain cases.

More information is available on the Health Department website.