Recognising meningococcal symptoms could save your life
THERE have been 278 confirmed cases of meningococcal in Queensland since 2010.
Three of these cases were reported in the Southern Downs region in this time period, including one death.
Despite the severity of meningococcal, Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service public health unit director Penny Hutchinson assured it was hard to contract without close and prolonged contact with a case.
"Around 10% of people carry meningococcal bacteria in their throats and noses without experiencing any symptoms," Dr Hutchinson said.
"It is important to emphasise that this is not a virus, and it does not spread easily - very few people go on to develop the disease, and most of these make a complete recovery."
Symptoms include a high fever, severe headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, drowsiness and a rash that emerges and spreads rapidly.
Young babies may also have symptoms such as refusing to feed, lethargy and irritability.
"Anyone with these symptoms, in particular a rapidly spreading bruise-like rash, should seek prompt medical assessment," Dr Hutchinson said.
For more information, go to meningococcal.org.au.
