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Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/2953948/Cases-bring-meningitis-warning
Cases bring meningitis warning
By JANINE RANKIN - Manawatu Standard
Last updated 12:00 12/10/2009
Six cases of meningococcal disease in as many weeks around the MidCentral Health district have prompted a warning from medical officer of health Jill McKenzie to take symptoms seriously.
While the MenzB vaccination blitz that reached more than 1 million children and young people in 2005 helped stop New Zealand's epidemic of the disease, the cases presenting now have been caused by other strains of the bacteria.
All of those affected were aged under 20, and all of them were recovering as a result of being diagnosed and receiving antibiotics in time.
Dr McKenzie said it was the time of year when meningococcal cases were most likely to occur, but in the district's best year in the last five, in 2007, there was only one case during the whole year. In 2005, there were 15.
This season's spike in numbers meant people should be alert to the symptoms and get help without delay.
At first the symptoms can be confused with flu, but are more severe, and a tell-tale bruise-like rash that will not fade when pressed develops.
"Anyone with these symptoms should be taken to a doctor immediately," she said.
"Early recognition of the symptoms, and treatment with antibiotics, is the key to stopping the potentially serious outcomes from blood poisoning (septicaemia) or meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord and brain lining)."
The bugs that cause the disease can live quite harmlessly in the back of the nose or throat of well people, and are passed on to others through spit. The key to prevention is not sharing spit. People should not share lip balms, drinks or drink bottles or toothbrushes.
People most at risk are those under 20, including the very young, and people who live closely together. Maori and Pacific communities are more frequently affected.
Around New Zealand there were 25 cases of meningococcal disease in August, including just one in MidCentral.
SYMPTOMS
* Fever
* Severe headache
* Dislike of bright lights
* Nausea and vomiting
* Confusion
* Drowsiness
* Very young children difficult to wake and refusing feeds
* A rash that does not fade when pressed
Cases bring meningitis warning
By JANINE RANKIN - Manawatu Standard
Last updated 12:00 12/10/2009
Six cases of meningococcal disease in as many weeks around the MidCentral Health district have prompted a warning from medical officer of health Jill McKenzie to take symptoms seriously.
While the MenzB vaccination blitz that reached more than 1 million children and young people in 2005 helped stop New Zealand's epidemic of the disease, the cases presenting now have been caused by other strains of the bacteria.
All of those affected were aged under 20, and all of them were recovering as a result of being diagnosed and receiving antibiotics in time.
Dr McKenzie said it was the time of year when meningococcal cases were most likely to occur, but in the district's best year in the last five, in 2007, there was only one case during the whole year. In 2005, there were 15.
This season's spike in numbers meant people should be alert to the symptoms and get help without delay.
At first the symptoms can be confused with flu, but are more severe, and a tell-tale bruise-like rash that will not fade when pressed develops.
"Anyone with these symptoms should be taken to a doctor immediately," she said.
"Early recognition of the symptoms, and treatment with antibiotics, is the key to stopping the potentially serious outcomes from blood poisoning (septicaemia) or meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord and brain lining)."
The bugs that cause the disease can live quite harmlessly in the back of the nose or throat of well people, and are passed on to others through spit. The key to prevention is not sharing spit. People should not share lip balms, drinks or drink bottles or toothbrushes.
People most at risk are those under 20, including the very young, and people who live closely together. Maori and Pacific communities are more frequently affected.
Around New Zealand there were 25 cases of meningococcal disease in August, including just one in MidCentral.
SYMPTOMS
* Fever
* Severe headache
* Dislike of bright lights
* Nausea and vomiting
* Confusion
* Drowsiness
* Very young children difficult to wake and refusing feeds
* A rash that does not fade when pressed