Teenager in Launceston hospital with meningococcal

A public health response is underway following the confirmation of a case of meningococcal disease in Tasmania. DETAILS >>

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Meningococcal case confirmed

Friday, June 3

An urgent public health response is underway following the confirmation of a case of meningococcal disease.

A male in his late teens from the north-west of the state has been diagnosed with meningococcal disease and is in a stable condition in the Launceston General Hospital after becoming seriously unwell.

Public Health Services is currently working with the case’s family to ensure they and other close contacts are properly managed to minimise the risk of further infection.

The strain of meningococcal disease contracted by the man is serogroup B.

This is the first case of meningococcal disease to occur in Tasmania this year. There is an average of 7 cases in Tasmania per year, with a reduction in cases following the Meningococcal ACWY vaccination program that commenced in 2017.

Meningococcal disease is more common during winter and spring but can occur at any time in any place and affect people of any age.

The symptoms of meningococcal disease can include fever, severe headache, confusion, severe muscle pain, and rash. People who contract meningococcal disease typically progress from feeling well to feeling extremely unwell very quickly.

Babies and infants may not have these symptoms but can be unsettled or drowsy, pale or blotchy, floppy and not feeding.

Vaccination against the A, C, W and Y strains is routinely recommended and provided for free as part of the National Immunisation Program for children aged 12 months and as part of the school-based program for students in year 10.

A vaccine is available to protect against the B strain for children from 6 weeks of age. This vaccine is free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants.

Others wishing to protect themselves or their family against meningococcal B can receive the vaccine through their general practitioner with a private script.

If you suspect you or someone you care for may have contracted meningococcal disease, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Police search for Rolex stolen from hospital

Friday, June 3

Police are investigating the theft of a $22,000 Rolex watch after it was stolen at the North West Regional Hospital between May 6 and May 20.

Authorities say it was one of the personal belongings stolen from the hospital and are calling on the public for information.

The Rolex ‘Submariner’ watch has a silver and gold stainless steel band and a blue watch face.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Sniffer dog detects $80k of meth

Thursday, June 2

A man and a woman have been charged after a drug detection dog at Launceston Airport sniffed out $80,000 worth of methylamphetamine at a routine screening on Wednesday.

Passengers were disembarking from a Melbourne flight when the dog made a positive indication on the 27 year old man, who was subsequently searched.

Police allege 80 grams of methylamphetamine was discovered, with an estimated street value of $80,000.

The man, from Newnham, was charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, while a 35 year old woman, also from Newnham, was charged with minor drug offences, unlawful possession of property and possession of ammunition.

“Tasmania Police remain committed to screening the air, sea and mail corridors into Tasmania for all illicit drugs,” Tasmania Police det. insp. Craig Fox said.

The two were bailed to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date.

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