Sunday, September 8, 2024

Man, 28, in hospital after meningococcal diagnosis

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A man is in hospital and multiple people who he came in contact with have been told to take clearance antibiotics after he was diagnosed with a contagious disease.

Health officials have issued a public warning for measles in Sydney.

It follows a woman contracting the disease in Western Sydney.

It is believed she picked up the case from an infant who was diagnosed earlier this month.

Multiple exposure sites have been flagged across Sydney including Westpoint Blacktown.

Authorities are advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms, but say there is no ongoing risk to the public.

The male, from regional South Australia, is currently in a stable condition in hospital following his diagnosis, which was reported on Friday.

SA Health said the man was diagnosed with invasive meningococcal disease, which has been identified as serotype B.

Twelve of the 13 meningococcal cases in South Australia so far this year have been serogroup B, with the other case being serogroup Y.

Four people who came into contact with the man have been told to take clearance antibiotics in a bid to avoid further transmission in the state.

A 28-year-old man is in hospital after being diagnosed with meningococcal in South Australia. Picture: Supplied

The number of meningococcal cases in South Australia so far this year is slightly higher than the same period in 2023, when 11 cases were reported.

Across all of 2023, there were 21 cases, and one death. No deaths have been reported so far this year.

SA Health advised that “symptoms and signs of meningococcal disease can include headache, fever, vomiting, neck stiffness, and discomfort when looking at lights”. 

“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,” SA Health said.

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“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.”

Vaccination is available for a number of types of meningococcal but SA Heath said “as vaccines do not protect against all types of meningococcal disease, vaccinated people must still be alert for the symptoms of meningococcal disease”.

The meningococcal B vaccine is provided free for infants at six weeks, four months, and 12 months, and teenagers who are in year 10.

The meningococcal ACWY vaccine is provided free for infants at 12 months and year 10 students.  

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