Teenager, 14, fighting for life with meningococcal disease in South Australia
A South Australian teenager is fighting for life after contracting invasive meningococcal disease.
The 14-year-old’s diagnosis was reported on Thursday by SA Health.
Three close contacts will undergo a round of clearance antibiotics to prevent spread of the highly-contagious disease.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Symptoms and signs of meningococcal disease can include headache, fever, vomiting, neck stiffness, and discomfort when looking at lights,” SA Health said in a statement.
“A skin rash may occur, with tiny red or purple spots that soon spread and enlarge to look like fresh bruises. At later stages of the illness, people may develop confusion and shock.”
The infecting strain has been identified as serogroup B, for which South Australians are widely vaccinated.
“Vaccines are available to protect against a number of types of meningococcal disease,” SA Health said.
“In South Australia, under national and state funded programs, the meningococcal B vaccine is available and free for infants at six weeks, four months, and 12 months and for adolescents in Year 10. The ACWY vaccine is available and free for infants at 12 months and in adolescents in Year 10.
There have 28 cases of meningococcal disease in South Australia in 2024 to date.
There were 21 cases in the state at the same time last year.
Originally published on 7NEWS
