Aussie fights for life with meningococcal disease. What signs should seniors watch out for?

Health is paramount, especially for seniors who may be vulnerable to diseases.

In a sobering reminder of the dangers of infectious diseases, a South Australian teenager's critical health battle prompted authorities to issue an urgent warning to the public.


A 14-year-old girl from Adelaide has been hospitalised with the serogroup B strain of meningococcal disease.

If left untreated, the condition could escalate rapidly and become fatal.

The case marked the 28th instance of meningococcal disease reported in South Australia this year—a significant increase from the 21 cases recorded in 2023.


compressed-hospital beds.jpeg
Meningococcal disease patients have increased over the past year, prompting warnings from health agencies. Image Credit: Pexels/Pixabay


The University of Sydney recorded over 80 cases in 2024, which emphasised the need for vigilance nationwide.

The Neisseria meningitidis bacteria cause meningococcal disease and is notorious for its rapid onset and progression.

It requires immediate attention, and while rare, its highly contagious nature makes it a serious public health concern.

The disease could lead to severe brain damage, loss of limbs, and death if left unattended.


Groups vulnerable to the disease include infants, young children, adolescents, and young adults.

Vaccines cover several common strains of the bacteria, including A, B, C, W, and Y.

However, no vaccine offers complete protection against all strains yet.

It's essential to be aware of the symptoms of meningococcal disease and to seek immediate help.

Symptoms of meningococcal disease resemble those of the flu.

They can include fever, headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, sensitivity to light, muscle pain, and confusion.


One of the telltale signs is a distinctive rash that may start as red patches.

These patches later on turn into purple pinprick spots or large bruises.

The extremities, such as hands and feet, may also feel unusually cold.

If unattended, patients may experience altered consciousness and seizures.

Symptoms in young children and infants could be subtle.

These include being floppy or unusually tired, having pale or blotchy skin, refusing to eat, and irritability, such as difficulty waking or high-pitched crying.


The recent case in Adelaide underscored the importance of vaccines and recognising the early signs of meningococcal disease.

South Australia Health has already identified and contacted everyone who is in close contact with the affected patient, as early intervention should prevent the disease from spreading.

Members, particularly those with young grandchildren, should be mindful of these symptoms.

If you or your grandchildren show any of these signs, seek medical help immediately.

Early diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving.
Key Takeaways

  • A teenager in South Australia was hospitalised in critical condition after contracting the meningococcal B strain.
  • South Australian health authorities issued a warning, as it was the 28th case of the disease this year in the state.
  • More than 80 cases have been recorded across Australia in 2024, indicating a surge in the incidence of meningococcal disease.
  • Public health officials stressed the importance of early diagnosis and vaccination.
Have you or your loved ones been vaccinated against meningococcal disease? Do you have any experiences to share that could help others recognise the signs? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments section below.
 

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That is one serious and scary disease.
I was always scared of getting that or Ebola, which was all but eradicated in the 70's but as I understand it it came back last year!
As a young adult and after watching Cujo I was scared of rabies, even though we don't have that here in Australia.
Face it, i'm scared of everything 😂
 
That is one serious and scary disease.
I was always scared of getting that or Ebola, which was all but eradicated in the 70's but as I understand it it came back last year!
As a young adult and after watching Cujo I was scared of rabies, even though we don't have that here in Australia.
Face it, i'm scared of everything 😂
🤣🤣🤣me too even my cat when he gets out of bed on the wrong side.🤣
 
That is one serious and scary disease.
I was always scared of getting that or Ebola, which was all but eradicated in the 70's but as I understand it it came back last year!
As a young adult and after watching Cujo I was scared of rabies, even though we don't have that here in Australia.
Face it, i'm scared of everything 😂
Let's face it anything written by Stephen King is going to set of years of anxiety.
 
Our Tinka used to freak me out, i'd take a photo of her and was shocked when I looked at them. The one with the telescope freaked me out the most, I didn't even know she was there until my partner pointed it out 😂
I'd be scared too. As a kid we had a monster willow tree, and if you walked past it in the evening you would see eyes glowing at you. It was cats but you couldn't see anything but the eyes.
 
Around 17 years ago my daughters friend from church was rushed to hospital with a high fever . She was admitted and within 6 hours she came out in a deep purple rash. She passed away less than 48 hours later. She was 16.

My other daughter was 8 when she had a bad flu. I kept her home from school for maybe a week. Then the day she went back I was called to pick her up as she was vomiting. She came home and went straight to sleep. When she woke up she couldn't move her head
I rushed her to hospital where they performed a spinal tap.

They suspected Menigitis but didn't know if it was bacterial ( meningococal) or viril.

They started antibiotics, 24 hours later we found out she had viral meningitis. She was one very sick girl but at least it wasn't bacterial and at least we still had our girl ( this is my daughter who just gave birth to a premi)

Apparently if you have a flu the virus can go to different organs. If it goes to the lining of the brain then it becomes meningitis . If it goes to the lining of the heart then it's cardiomyopothy
 
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Which ever way you look at it, it's one Hell & a rotten illness to catch.
As with all forms of cancer, dementia & parkinsons, they all have no boundaries.
Meningococal must always have to stay at the forefront for early symptons & recognition of same.
Education of the disease is a must.

NOVEZAR.
 
That is one serious and scary disease.
I was always scared of getting that or Ebola, which was all but eradicated in the 70's but as I understand it it came back last year!
As a young adult and after watching Cujo I was scared of rabies, even though we don't have that here in Australia.
Face it, i'm scared of everything 😂
I know it is hard when you are so scared , but try to look. a bit more Positive about the circum stances, that may help. Very Good Luck With it all . You can talk yourself into all kinds of things, that you will never get .
Brighter Days Ahead
 
Around 17 years ago my daughters friend from church was rushed to hospital with a high fever . She was admitted and within 6 hours she came out in a deep purple rash. She passed away less than 48 hours later. She was 16.

My other daughter was 8 when she had a bad flu. I kept her home from school for maybe a week. Then the day she went back I was called to pick her up as she was vomiting. She came home and went straight to sleep. When she woke up she couldn't move her head
I rushed her to hospital where they performed a spinal tap.

They suspected Menigitis but didn't know if it was bacterial ( meningococal) or viril.

They started antibiotics, 24 hours later we found out she had viral meningitis. She was one very sick girl but at least it wasn't bacterial and at least we still had our girl ( this is my daughter who just gave birth to a premi)

Apparently if you have a flu the virus can go to different organs. If it goes to the lining of the brain then it becomes meningitis . If it goes to the lining of the heart then it's cardiomyopothy
I'm sorry to hear that but i'm glad she's now ok.

Both cardiomyopathy and meningitis are terrifying diseases but with cardiomyopathy you can live a full life if you get the treatment needed quickly enough, although some people with the disease will need heart transplants with many not getting a suitable heart in time.
I had a friend that needed a heart transplant because of this disease and luckily they got one.
 
I know it is hard when you are so scared , but try to look. a bit more Positive about the circum stances, that may help. Very Good Luck With it all . You can talk yourself into all kinds of things, that you will never get .
Brighter Days Ahead
Thank you for that 💗
Right now iv'e been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, I have good days where i'm upbeat about it, then bad days where i'm wondering how long I have on this earth.
The good days far outway the bad ones right now.
I have a fabulous Oncologist who is optimistic about my illness so i'm following her lead to the letter.
Besides having a few aches and pains, which is probably due to age, i'm feeling fine, if not a bit tired a lot.
 
Sadly this dreadful disease is totally preventable. There’s a vaccine available to prevent it. Problem is, it’s very expensive, and again, the only won’t make it free. So if you’re wealthy, you can get the vaccine with a prescription. It’s a bit unfair, that the population who probably need it most, children and the elderly, can’t afford it. If you are lucky enough to have private health insurance, you can get a receipt from the pharmacy, and claim part of the cost back. It will probably take a politician to catch the disease, or one of their children, to change things. Gezabel.
 
I'm sorry to hear that but i'm glad she's now ok.

Both cardiomyopathy and meningitis are terrifying diseases but with cardiomyopathy you can live a full life if you get the treatment needed quickly enough, although some people with the disease will need heart transplants with many not getting a suitable heart in time.
I had a friend that needed a heart transplant because of this disease and luckily they got one.
"I'm sorry to hear that but i'm glad she's now ok." re-read the post! open your eyes!
 
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Reactions: deni67
Thank you for that 💗
Right now iv'e been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, I have good days where i'm upbeat about it, then bad days where i'm wondering how long I have on this earth.
The good days far outway the bad ones right now.
I have a fabulous Oncologist who is optimistic about my illness so i'm following her lead to the letter.
Besides having a few aches and pains, which is probably due to age, i'm feeling fine, if not a bit tired a lot.
Chin up ,there are better days ahead ,you never know what they will come up with , there seems to be better cures in the pipeline, have faith .
 
I know it is hard when you are so scared , but try to look. a bit more Positive about the circum stances, that may help. Very Good Luck With it all . You can talk yourself into all kinds of things, that you will never get .
Brighter Days Ahead
You have a really positive attitude, and you set a great example for others. I wish you well, and I will take a leaf out of your book. Your cancer is very treatable, and we’re pretty well educated on bowel cancer these days. Early detection and treatment is the key. Have a wonderful Christmas, and stay positive. Gezabel.
 
Thank you for that 💗
Right now iv'e been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, I have good days where i'm upbeat about it, then bad days where i'm wondering how long I have on this earth.
The good days far outway the bad ones right now.
I have a fabulous Oncologist who is optimistic about my illness so i'm following her lead to the letter.
Besides having a few aches and pains, which is probably due to age, i'm feeling fine, if not a bit tired a lot.
Hi deni67,
Very sorry & sad to hear of your very unsavoury health circumstances.
Keep your spirits, wishes, heart & head held high indeed.
I really feel that we ALL, on this forum, wish you well & the very best indeed for the future.

NOVEZAR.
 

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