Coast Records First Meningococcal Death Of 2018

Woman was overseas


Article heading image for Coast Records First Meningococcal Death Of 2018

Southland

Central Coast Local Health District is reminding the community to be aware of the symptoms of meningococcal disease following the first confirmed death of the year locally.

A 38 year old woman succumbing to the W strain after travelling overseas. 

The victim's close contacts have been prescribed clearance antibiotics to reduce the risk of it being spread to anyone else.

Symptoms of meningococcal disease may include sudden onset of fever, headache, neck stiffness, joint pain, a rash of red-purple spots or bruises, dislike of bright lights nausea and vomiting.

The NSW Government has invested $17 million into a meningococcal ACWY vaccination program since 2017, which provides the vaccine for free for upper high school students.
The Premier yesterday announced an extension of the program to include Year 10 students in 2019 as well as those in Year 11 and Year 12.

6 August 2018




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