Woman is this year’s fourth case of meningococcal

A TASMANIAN woman has been diagnosed with a potentially deadly and highly contagious disease.

The Devonport woman, in her 30s, is in a stable condition in the Mersey Community Hospital, where she was admitted on Sunday with meningococcal. Public Health Services has arranged clearance antibiotics for the woman’s closest contacts to minimise the risk of further infection and will also provide immunisation.

This is the fourth case of meningococcal disease in Tasmania in 2019 and the second case of the W strain.

The other two cases were B strain.

In a statement, Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch said a free meningococcal ACWY vaccine was still available from GPs for Tasmanians aged between six weeks and 21 years. He said everyone in this age bracket was strongly advised to get vaccinated.

“This program started last year in response to a community outbreak of meningococcal W disease in the northern suburbs of Hobart, and the high statewide rate for two years,” he said. “Meningococcal B vaccine for infants and young children, adolescents and young adults living close together can be purchased and provided by your GP.”

People with meningococcal disease can go from feeling well to extremely unwell very quickly. Symptoms include fever, severe aches and pains, headache, drowsiness and confusion.

Infants can be distressed, limp, pale and feed poorly.

Visit www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/ men w for more information.