Man struck by B strain
NW meningococcal case
TASMANIA has recorded its sixth case of meningococcal this year, with a 22-year-old from the North-West struck with the disease’s B strain.
Acting public health director Scott McKeown said the man was admitted last week and was now in a stable condition. His close contacts received precautionary treatment.
Meningococcal B is the only common strain not part of a free vaccination program.
A MAN from the North-West has been diagnosed with meningococcal B disease.
The 22-year-old from a rural area was admitted to Burnie’s North West Regional Hospital last week.
Acting public health director Scott McKeown said yesterday the 22-year-old was in a stable condition and his close contacts have received precautionary antibiotics.
“Meningococcal disease is a rare bacterial infection which usually occurs as a single case. It is unusual for a second case to occur after contact with the first case,” he said.
“A person with meningococcal disease can deteriorate rapidly. If you suspect meningococcal disease, seek emergency treatment immediately.”
The man is the sixth confirmed case of meningococcal disease in the state this year.
Four of those cases have been B strain and two W strain.
Meningococcal B is the only common strain of the disease that isn’t part of a vaccination program. Each dose costs about $120 on private prescription and up to four doses can be required per person.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook “strongly recommends” infants and children under two, healthy teenagers aged 15-19 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged two months to 19 years receive the meningococcal B vaccine.
It also suggests people with medical conditions that increase their risk of invasive meningococcal disease, travellers, young adults living in close quarters, laboratory workers and smokers get the jab.
Despite the wide-ranging recommendations for the immunisation, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has not been satisfied with the evidence surrounding the effectiveness of vaccine Bexsero as part of a population-wide program.
South Australia is the only state nationally to fund meningococcal B vaccines.
Dr McKeown said symptoms of the disease include fever, severe muscle aches and pains, headache, feeling unusually unwell, confused or drowsy, and late in the illness a rash may occur.
In babies and infants, these symptoms are often not seen but the child may be unsettled or drowsy, floppy and not feeding. If you suspect meningococcal disease, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.