WA meningococcal advocates Barry and Lorraine Young are urging people to learn the symptoms of the disease and consider vaccination after an adult died from meningococcal disease in Western Australia.
WA Health recently confirmed the adult died after being diagnosed with meningococcal serogroup Y disease.
It is the third reported case of invasive meningococcal disease in the State this year. The other two cases were serogroup B.
The Youngs, whose own daughter died from the disease, have spent years raising awareness about meningococcal.
They said the latest death was heartbreaking.
“It is so sad to hear of the death. It would have been sudden and completely unexpected,” they said.
“Our commiserations to the family in their sad loss.”
They said recognising the symptoms early could save lives.
“It is vital to know the symptoms to seek medical treatment at the earliest opportunity,” they said.
According to WA Health, meningococcal disease is a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection that can affect the blood or the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms can include a high fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion and severe muscle or joint pain. Some people may also develop a red-purple rash, although this does not always occur.
Young children may show signs such as fever, vomiting, poor feeding, lethargy, a pale or blotchy complexion and a rash.
The Youngs also encouraged people to speak with their GP or pharmacist about vaccination.
“Vaccination is vital in providing immunity and people should talk to their GP or chemist,” they said.
“There are two meningococcal vaccines available.”
WA Health said the MenACWY vaccine is provided free to children at 12 months of age, Year 10 students and some other eligible groups. The MenB vaccine is also free for Aboriginal children up to two years of age and people with certain medical risk conditions, while others can receive it for a fee through their immunisation provider.
Although meningococcal disease can be treated with antibiotics, WA Health said it can progress rapidly and anyone with symptoms should seek urgent medical attention. Most people recover with treatment, but the disease can be fatal and may cause long-term complications in some cases.
