Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacterial infection and can lead to serious illness. Three people have died from meningococcal disease this year in NSW, two of whom were aged 15-25 years. Infants, small children, adolescents and young adults are most at risk of meningococcal disease.
People with meningococcal disease can become extremely unwell very quickly. The recent fatal cases had rapid onset with fever, nausea, and vomiting predominating. Other symptoms may include headache, joint pain, neck stiffness and a rash of red-purple spots or bruises. Early identification and rapid treatment is vital and can save lives.
The cases this year are due to serogroup B. Meningococcal ACWY (Men ACWY) vaccine, which provides protection against serogroups A, C, W and Y and Meningococcal B (Men B) vaccine, which protects against some strains of meningococcal serogroup B, are recommended to anyone who wants to protect against disease.