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Child dies from meningococcal diseaseA young child died on Saturday 13 August at Waikato Hospital from meningococcal disease. All close contacts of the child have been given advice and preventative treatment, Waikato District Health Board medical officer of health Dr Anita Bell said today. “This appears to be an isolated case with no links to other cases. So far this year, there have been five other cases of meningococcal disease in the Waikato which is what we would expect. This is a much lower number of cases than what we were seeing a few years ago,” she said. Meningococcal disease is a serious disease and can occur at any age, but is most common in children under the age of five years. Everyone should be aware of the signs and symptoms of disease which in babies and young children may include fever, irritability, sleepiness, floppiness, hard to wake, refusing drink or food, vomiting and a rash. Adults can have similar symptoms and may also have a stiff neck, headache and sensitivity to lights. “Anyone with some of these symptoms should seek medical attention without delay as early treatment is very important,” said Dr Bell. For more information www.waikatodhb.health.nz/meningococcal
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