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Two cases of meningococcal disease reported

Blanton Smith

Two cases of meningococcal disease have been reported in New Plymouth.

In an emailed statement, Te Whatu Ora national public health service medical officer of health for Taranaki Dr Neil de Wet said both cases were children under five years old and were identified early.

‘‘This means they received fast, effective treatment and made rapid recoveries. Household contacts of each of the cases were also offered advice and preventative treatment.’’

No direct links have been found between these two cases, which are the only cases reported in the region this year.

However, they were an important reminder to be aware of this disease, which can be very serious, and its symptoms, de Wet said.

‘‘Symptoms and signs do vary, but in children and adults can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, muscle and joint pain, vomiting, a dislike of bright light, drowsiness, and convulsions.

There may also be a rash consisting of reddishpurple pin-prick spots or bruises.

‘‘Symptoms in babies can be more subtle and, in addition to the above, may include floppiness, refusing feeds, pale skin and high-pitched crying.’’

De Wet said if anyone suspected they or someone they knew had meningococcal disease, it was very important to get urgent medical attention – call 111, call your doctor, or go to a hospital.

They can also call Healthline free on 0800 611 116, 24 hours a day.

If you have been seen by a doctor and gone home but are still concerned, don’t hesitate to call your doctor again or seek further medical advice, de Wet said.

With meningococcal disease prompt treatment with antibiotics could prevent permanent disability and death.

Meningococcal disease can affect anyone. However, it’s more common in children under the age of five, teenagers, and young adults.

Meningococcal cases were lower than usual in New Zealand during the Covid-19 pandemic but have increased again in 2022 although not yet to the same level as the years before the pandemic.

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2022-12-03T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-12-03T08:00:00.0000000Z

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