The health department are working to track down the close contacts of a a young Tasmanian woman who is currently in hospital in a critical condition with the “invasive meningococcal disease”.
Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch said the woman is the fifth reported case of the “rare but serious” disease, which is a caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacterium, this year.
“People with meningococcal disease can go from feeling well to being extremely unwell very quickly,” Dr Veitch said.
“Public Health Services thanks the woman’s family and hospital clinicians for their help identifying contacts at this difficult time.”
“Contacts are provided with advice about meningococcal disease and the closest contacts are prescribed antibiotics in case they have meningococcal bacteria in their throats.”
He said cases across Tasmania have been averaging “between two and four” each year in recent years, many due to the serogroup B strain.
“Approximately 1 in 10 people have the meningococcal bacteria living naturally in the back of their nose and throat.”
“In a small number of people, serious strains of the bacteria can infect the body and cause illness, known as invasive meningococcal disease.”
Symptoms of the disease include fever, severe headache, confusion, severe muscle pain and rash.
“I encourage Tasmanians to discuss meningococcal vaccination with their General Practitioner, to check that they have received the vaccines they are eligible for and to consider vaccines they may wish to purchase privately,” Dr Veitch said.
“If you suspect you or someone you care for may have meningococcal disease, seek emergency medical care immediately.”
