Public health alert issued after Darwin man dies with meningococcal disease | NT Independent

Public health alert issued after Darwin man dies with meningococcal disease

by | Aug 12, 2022 | News | 0 comments

A man in his 30s from the Greater Darwin region has died after contracting meningococcal disease, with his close contacts currently being cared for by the Centre for Disease Control, the Department of Health has said.

Health officials said the man, who died at Royal Darwin Hospital on an unspecified date, had not travelled interstate or internationally.

It is the second case of meningococcal disease reported in the NT this year, with the other case detected in a female in her 30s from Alice Springs. It is not believed the two cases are linked.

Meningococcal disease can kill within hours, authorities said, and early diagnosis and treatment is vital for survival.

“Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious and sometimes fatal infection,” an NT Health statement said.

“It is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria meningitidis (also known as meningococcal bacteria) and can develop quickly. Anyone with a suspected meningococcal infection needs to see a doctor immediately.”

The bacterium is present in droplets discharged from the nose and throat when coughing or sneezing, but is not spread by saliva and does not survive more than a few seconds in the environment, NT Health said. It is also not easily spread from person-to-person.

The government said the main symptoms of meningococcal disease are:

  1. Rash of red or purple pinprick spots, or larger bruise-like areas, that does not turn skin-coloured when you press on it with a finger or the side of a clear drinking glass
  2. Fever
  3. Headache
  4. Neck stiffness
  5. Light sensitivity
  6. Nausea or vomiting
  7. Diarrhoea
  8. Drowsiness and confusion
  9. Difficulty walking or talking

The government said in babies and young children, you might notice they:

  1. Refuse food
  2. Are fretful and irritable
  3. Are very tired and floppy
  4. Have a fit or are twitchy
  5. Have a high moaning cry

“The signs and symptoms do not appear in a definite order and some may not appear at all,” the statement said.

“Meningococcal disease can be prevented with vaccination.’

More information on meningococcal disease is available here.

 

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