Meningitis warning as case found

A person is in Palmerston North Hospital suffering from meningococcal disease.

Medical officer of health Dr Rob Weir said it would be some time before it would be known whether it was the Menw strain that sparked a mass immunisation programme in Northland.

He said people who might have been in contact with the Midcentral District Health Board case were being followed up. Close contacts were being offered antibiotics.

‘‘This is standard management to minimise the risk of spread in the community,’’ Weir said.

‘‘This is the fourth case for the year in the Midcentral DHB area – the first three were not serogroup W [the Menw strain].’’

Weir said meningococcal disease was caused when bacteria living in the nose or throat entered the bloodstream.

‘‘The bug is spread through close contact, such as living in the same household. You can help stop meningococcal disease from spreading by covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Good hand washing is also very important.’’

Vaccination was recommended for those who have had or are having their spleen removed, and for young people moving to hostels, military recruits and people with an increased risk of invasive disease.

He said the disease could be difficult to diagnose because it could look like the flu at first.

Symptoms included fever, headache, dislike of light, vomiting, a rash that did not fade when pressed, confusion and sleepiness.

Anyone with such symptoms should seek urgent medical attention. People who remained concerned even after seeing a doctor should seek help again.

Healthline was available on freephone 0800 611 116.