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2010-02-24 03:56:56 - Epidemic Hazard - Australia EDIS CODE: EH-20100224-25047-AUS
Date & Time: 2010-02-24 03:56:56 [UTC]
Area: Australia, State of New South Wales, Macarthur, Sydney Number of Infected person(s): 1
Not confirmed information! Description: The Sydney South-West Area Health Service is warning people to look out for symptoms of meningococcal disease after a child was diagnosed with it earlier this month. The boy, who attends a preschool in the Macarthur area, was released from hospital and is now well. His family members and staff and other children who were in close contact with him at the preschool were given clearance antibiotics at a clinic on Friday. Most cases of meningococcal disease are seen in infants, young children, teenagers and young adults, although people of any age can become infected. The first symptoms of the disease may include pain in the legs, cold hands and feet as well as abnormal skin colour. Later symptoms may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights, nausea and vomiting, a blotchy purple-red rash and drowsiness. The Australian meningococcal vaccine is effective against the C strain but there is currently no Australian vaccine for the B strain of the disease.
The name of Hazard: Meningococcal meningitis
Species: Human
Status: Confirmed
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