Meningococcal case confirmed in North Dunedin

A case of meningococcal disease has been confirmed in North Dunedin and Te Whatu Ora Southern Public Health are urging people to remain calm as the risk of developing a meningococcal infection is low.

“Meningococcal disease is spread through prolonged person to person contact or through contact with a contagious person’s saliva,” says Dr Susan Jack, Medical Officer of Health. “Though the risk of developing the illness is low, symptoms can come on rapidly and the infection can become significantly serious in a matter of hours. If you feel really unwell with any of these symptoms, you need to urgently seek care.”

Symptoms of meningococcal include cold and flu like symptoms:

• Headache
• Fatigue/sleepiness
• A high fever
• Joint and muscle pain
• Feeling generally very unwell
  

There are also specific symptoms associated with a meningococcal infection:

• A stiff neck
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
• A rash that looks like reddish-purple pinprick spots or bruises
• Crying
• Refusal to feed (in infants)
  

“If you are a part of the North Dunedin community and have any of these symptoms, please contact your GP, health provider, or Healthline immediately,” says Dr Jack. “Symptoms can take up to seven days to develop.”

Dr Jack stressed that the meningococcal bacteria are hard to spread. The bacteria can only be passed on through contact with secretions from the nose or throat (e.g. kissing, coughing or sneezing), or from close prolonged contact with an infectious person.

The patient is isolating and receiving treatment. Close contacts are being identified and treated as required.

Please seek medical advice immediately through your GP or Healthline, if you have any of the symptoms of meningococcal disease.

Even if you have had a meningococcal vaccine, you still need to look out for symptoms as the vaccines do not protect against all meningococcal strains.

Healthline: 0800 611 116
Available 24 hours, 7 days a week

More information, such as the criteria for prolonged contact, can be found on the Ministry of Health Manatu Hauora website