NT Health is reporting the death of a male in his 30s from Greater Darwin with meningococcal disease. The man passed away at Royal Darwin Hospital and had no recent interstate or international travel. We send our condolences this man’s friends and family.
All close contacts have been identified and the Centre for Disease Control is providing information and care as required.
So far this year, there have been two cases of meningococcal disease reported in Northern Territory.
The second case was a female in 30s from Alice Springs. The two cases are unlinked.
Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious and sometimes fatal infection. It is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria meningitidis (also known as meningococcal bacteria) and can develop quickly. Anyone with a suspected meningococcal infection needs to see a doctor immediately.
Meningococcal disease is a medical emergency. It can kill within hours, so early diagnosis and treatment is vital.
Meningococcal bacteria are not easily spread from person-to-person. The bacterium is present in droplets discharged from the nose and throat when coughing or sneezing, but is not spread by saliva and does not survive more than a few seconds in the environment.
The main symptoms of meningococcal disease are:
Rash of red or purple pinprick spots, or larger bruise-like areas, that does not turn skin-coloured when you press on it with a finger or the side of a clear drinking glassFeverHeadacheNeck stiffnessLight sensitivityNausea or vomitingDiarrhoeaDrowsiness and confusionDifficulty walking or talking
In babies and young children, you might notice they:
Refuse foodAre fretful and irritableAre very tired and floppyHave a fit or are twitchyHave a high moaning cry
The signs and symptoms do not appear in a definite order and some may not appear at all.
Meningococcal disease can be prevented with vaccination.
Under the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Immunisation Program (NIP), meningococcal ACWY (Men ACWY) vaccine is provided free for babies at 12 months, adolescents aged 15 to 19 years, and people of all ages with certain medical conditions. In the NT, the adolescent dose is delivered through the school vaccination program in Year 9.
Aboriginal children up to the age of two years, and people with certain medical conditions, can also access free meningococcal B (Men B) vaccine. All children from six weeks of age can have the Men B vaccine to reduce the risk of infection.
Anyone else from 6 weeks of age not eligible for vaccine under the NIP can privately purchase meningococcal vaccines.
