Joy Emeh
Updated on: October 8, 2024 9:06 am GMT
Western Australia (WA) has reported two additional cases of meningococcal disease, bringing the total number of infections this year to nine. This alarming trend includes an adult infected with serogroup Y and a child with serogroup B, both of whom have been hospitalized. Meningococcal disease, a potentially life-threatening illness caused by a bacterial infection, primarily affects the blood as well as the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain.
Details of the Recent Cases
This year, WA has seen a concerning rise in meningococcal cases, with seven confirmed cases of serogroup B, one case of serogroup W, and one case of serogroup Y reported. Tragically, one adult died earlier in the year due to the disease in April. Symptoms of meningococcal disease can present suddenly and include high fever, chills, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and severe muscle and joint pain. In young children, important symptoms to watch for include fever, pale or blotchy skin, vomiting, lethargy, and poor feeding. These symptoms may also be accompanied by a spotty red-purple rash, which indicates small bleeding points beneath the skin.
Transmission and Prevention
Meningococcal bacteria are transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person’s nose or throat, especially during coughing or sneezing. However, the bacteria do not survive long outside the human body, making its transmission less straightforward. The state’s health authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of this disease. The MenACWY vaccine is readily available without charge to all children at the age of 12 months and all Year 10 students. Additionally, a catch-up vaccination program is established for teenagers aged 15 to 19.
Despite the potential for recovery, 5 to 10 percent of individuals affected by meningococcal disease may ultimately die, and around 15 percent could face long-term complications, such as hearing loss, limb amputations, or brain damage.
Queensland’s Meningococcal Challenge
Queensland authorities are sounding the alarm as approximately 400,000 young individuals in the state remain unvaccinated against meningococcal disease. This warning follows the investigation of a possible outbreak in the far north, where Tropical Public Health Services is currently looking into a third probable case of meningococcal B. Alarmingly, less than 66 percent of children aged two years and younger are fully immunized, leaving around 40,000 children without vaccination protection, according to data from the Australian Immunisation Register.
At-Risk Populations
In addition to the alarming number of unvaccinated children, around 386,000 eligible adolescents are also not vaccinated, with just under 14 percent of those aged 15 to 20 receiving immunization. Health experts warn that meningococcal disease can escalate rapidly, posing a fatal risk. Notably, there has been a case involving a five-month-old baby who was airlifted to Townsville University Hospital due to severe symptoms related to meningococcal disease. Townsville’s public health unit director, Stephen Donahue, reported that the child was critically ill, suffering from sepsis and showing signs of shock.
“Meningococcal disease is feared for its rapid progression; it can be fatal within hours,” Donahue stated, underscoring the dramatic health implications of the outbreak. In response to the ongoing concerns, Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr. John Gerrard emphasized the value of vaccinations in the context of population health. “Outbreaks can occur even in well-vaccinated communities, highlighting vaccination’s essential role in maintaining public health,” he noted.
Expert Recommendations
Medical professionals urge families to prioritize vaccination to safeguard against meningococcal disease, especially given the ongoing outbreak in Far North Queensland. Royal Australian College of GPs Queensland chair Dr. Cathryn Hester remarked on the severity of meningococcal infections, pointing to the risk of severe health complications including death. “I encourage Queensland families to schedule vaccinations with their general practitioners immediately,” she stated.
The Queensland government’s meningococcal B vaccination program provides free vaccines for infants aged six weeks to less than twelve months, as well as adolescents aged 15 to 19. Additionally, catch-up immunizations without charge are available for children 12 months to less than two years old who have not completed their vaccination schedule.
Public Health Implications
As the incidence of meningococcal cases rises in both WA and Queensland, public health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination as an effective measure to combat this potentially deadly disease. The coordinated response from health authorities aims to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further spread of the illness.
If you have questions about vaccines or the disease, health experts suggest talking to your local healthcare provider. It’s important to stay informed and take care of our health, especially when it comes to contagious illnesses.
