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Be on the alert for meningococcal disease |
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Written by Les Fawkes
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Monday, 04 August 2008 |
Queensland Health has alerted
Sunshine Coast doctors and parents to the symptoms of meningococcal
disease after the start of the peak season for the illness.
Sunshine Coast Population Health Unit public health physician Dr Susan Vlack said meningococcal disease could rapidly overwhelm its victims and urged the community to be extra vigilant.
"Cases of meningococcal illness usually increase each year with the onset of winter and early spring," Dr Vlack said. Disease can occur at any age but is more common in children and young people.
There have been five cases of meningococcal infection in the Sunshine Coast so far this year.
"Meningococcal illness is very difficult to diagnose in the early stages, as the tell-tale signs may not be evident,” Dr Vlack said.
"Doctors at this time of year should heighten their awareness and notify suspected cases to their local population health unit.
"If a child deteriorates after being seen by a doctor parents should again seek urgent medical attention.
"Parents are in the best position to observe the rapid deterioration that often takes place in cases of meningococcal illness.
"The best way to deal with the infection is through early detection and early intervention. However, the disease is still very uncommon.”
Early symptoms include fever, vomiting, tiredness, followed by neck stiffness, eye discomfort from bright lights, irritability and a rash. The rash may commence with small red spots anywhere on the body, which can progress to become a blotchy purple colour.
Younger children and babies may refuse feeds, be irritable, become difficult to wake and/or may develop a high pitched irritable cry.
Children under 16 years of age frequently have leg pain, cold extremities, and abnormal skin colour in the first 12 hours of meningococcal disease.
“It is important to remember that not all of these symptoms may appear or appear at the one time,” Dr Vlack said.
Dr Vlack advises that in babies and young children, it may be necessary to check a sick child every few hours.
"While the bacteria are carried harmlessly by about 10 per cent of the population, certain strains can cause severe illness in susceptible individuals," Dr Vlack said.
"On rare occasions, the bacterium can overcome the body's natural defences.
“While people should not be alarmed, they should make themselves aware of the symptoms and signs of the disease, as early diagnosis and treatment can greatly lower the risk of serious complications.
"The disease can progress very quickly. Therefore at the earliest suspicion of meningococcal disease, urgent medical attention should be sought from your local doctor or nearest hospital.
"This is a particularly severe illness, and even with quick detection and treatment, deaths can rarely occur."
There is a free vaccine available which provides protection against meningococcal C disease.
Under the National Meningococcal C Vaccination Program, which is a joint initiative of the Australian Government and Queensland Health, all children are offered free meningococcal C vaccine at 12 months of age and there is a catch up period for free vaccine for children born from 1 January 2002.
“I strongly encourage eligible people to take advantage of the free vaccine and to visit their doctor or vaccination provider to protect themselves against this disease,” said Dr Vlack.
“While vaccination is an important measure, parents should remember that the meningococcal C vaccine does not protect against all strains of the disease, so vigilance for symptoms is still needed,” said Dr Vlack.
Anyone experiencing symptoms or who considers themselves at risk of infection should immediately contact their local doctor.
General information about meningococcal disease can be obtained by calling 13 HEALTH, or by visiting www.health.qld.gov.au
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Last Updated ( Monday, 04 August 2008 )
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Range News 2005 - ON 
