Meningococcal Disease Recognising the signs A number of recent media reports have highlighted the importance of staying vigilant about meningococcal disease. While a successful vaccine is available for the meningococcal C strain there is no effective vaccine for the B strain and it is estimated that between five and 25 per cent of people carry meningococcal bacteria in their nose and throat without being ill or showing any symptoms. Babies and children up to the age of five are at increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease due to their less mature immune system, their tendency to put things in their mouth and their tendency to play close together and share food, drinks and toys. In fact this group accounts for two thirds of the reported cases of meningococcal disease in Australia according to Meningococcal Australia Inc. While this disease is rare, it is worthwhile ensuring that you and your staff can recognise the signs of meningococcal disease and know how to act. Symptoms The symptoms of meningococcal disease may include one or any combination of the following: the sudden onset of fever, headache, neck stiffness, joint pain, a rash of red-purple spots or bruises, nauseas and vomiting and sensitivity to light. Please note not everyone who contracts meningococcal disease develops a rash and if they do develop a rash it may not appear until late into the onset of the disease. The meningococcal rash does not disappear when gentle pressure is applied to the skin. Young children and babies may have less specific symptoms including irritability, difficulty waking, high-pitched crying and loss of appetite. Sometimes the symptoms described above may follow less specific symptoms including leg pain, cold hands and abnormal skin colour. Meningococcal disease may follow other respiratory infections. People displaying symptoms of meningococcal disease should see a doctor urgently, especially for children and babies with a persistent fever, irritability, drowsiness, lethargy and loss of appetite. How is it spread? The good news is that meningococcal bacteria do not survive well outside the human body and are not easily spread between people. The bacteria are passed on to people in the secretions from the back of the nose and throat, which requires close and prolonged contact with someone carrying the bacteria. The bacteria are not easily spread by sharing drinks or food. Who is at risk? Anyone can catch meningococcal disease however those at higher risk include: People who share homes with patients of meningococcal disease Babies, young children, adolescents and young adults Smokers and people exposed to passive smoke People who practice intimate/deep mouth kissing with more than one partner People who recently had a viral upper respiratory tract infection People who travel to countries with high rates of the disease People without a spleen or other rare medical conditions. Remember people who receive minor exposure to someone with meningococcal disease in the work place have a very low risk of developing the disease. Prevention Keeping homes and cars smoke-free may reduce the risk of spreading the meningococcal bacteria however vaccination is the best way of preventing the disease. There are two vaccines available: Meningococcal C conjugate vaccine protects against meningococcal group C disease and is recommended for all children at one year of age (as part of free routine immunisation) and for people who have had meningococcal disease. Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine protects against groups A, C, Y and W135 and is recommended for travellers to countries where there are epidemics of meningococcal disease. Because these vaccines do not protect against the more common meningococcal group B disease, people should still keep an eye out for the symptoms and signs of meningococcal disease. Further reading: Meningococcal Australia Australian Government Factsheet NSW Health Factsheet Victorian Government Factsheet Meningococcal Education

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