Deadly meningococcal outbreak strikes Australian state for the first time this year
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The recent outbreak of meningococcal disease in Western Australia has raised alarm bells across the state, with one person tragically losing their life and two others currently in hospital.
This sudden emergence of cases is a stark reminder of the seriousness of this bacterial infection, which can lead to severe health complications and even death.
The three individuals affected were described as 'older adults,' and health officials have confirmed that the cases are unrelated.
Two of the patients were infected with strain B, and the other with strain W, both of which are among the various strains of meningococcal bacteria that can cause illness in humans.
They have been reported to be still ‘recovering’ in hospital.
The recent cases in WA were the first reported in 2024, a year following nine reported cases in 2023, which fortunately did not result in any fatalities.
This year's outbreak, however, has already seen a loss of life, underscoring the unpredictable and serious nature of the disease.
Meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection caused by meningococcal bacteria, typically manifesting as either a bloodstream infection or an infection of the membranes enveloping the brain and spinal cord.
‘Meningococcal bacteria are carried harmlessly in the back of the nose and throat by about 10 to 20 per cent of the population at any one time,’ WA Health stated.
‘Very rarely, the bacteria invade the bloodstream or tissues and cause serious infections.
Common symptoms include a high fever, a distinctive red-purple rash that doesn't fade under pressure, severe headache, vomiting, and confusion.
Antibiotics are used to treat the illness, and while the majority of individuals will recuperate, approximately five to ten per cent of diagnosed cases will result in death, as reported by the health department.
‘About 15 per cent may experience long-term complications such as hearing loss, limb amputations or brain damage,’ the department said.
There are 13 distinct strains of the disease, and vaccines are accessible to safeguard against prevalent disease-causing strains such as A, B, C, W, and Y.
Free vaccines are provided for strains A, C, W, and Y through the National Immunisation Program.
Eligible recipients include children at 12 months of age, year 10 students, and unvaccinated individuals under 20 years old.
Additionally, in Western Australia, where Aboriginal children have a higher incidence rate of meningococcal disease, free vaccination is extended to Aboriginal children aged six weeks to 12 months.
Free immunisation for the meningococcal B strain is also accessible, primarily for at-risk groups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children up to two years old and individuals with specific medical conditions.
Have you or someone you know been affected by meningococcal disease? Do you have any concerns about the recent outbreak in WA? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
This sudden emergence of cases is a stark reminder of the seriousness of this bacterial infection, which can lead to severe health complications and even death.
The three individuals affected were described as 'older adults,' and health officials have confirmed that the cases are unrelated.
Two of the patients were infected with strain B, and the other with strain W, both of which are among the various strains of meningococcal bacteria that can cause illness in humans.
They have been reported to be still ‘recovering’ in hospital.
One death and two hospitalisations resulted from meningococcal disease diagnoses in Western Australia. Credits: Shutterstock
The recent cases in WA were the first reported in 2024, a year following nine reported cases in 2023, which fortunately did not result in any fatalities.
This year's outbreak, however, has already seen a loss of life, underscoring the unpredictable and serious nature of the disease.
Meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection caused by meningococcal bacteria, typically manifesting as either a bloodstream infection or an infection of the membranes enveloping the brain and spinal cord.
‘Meningococcal bacteria are carried harmlessly in the back of the nose and throat by about 10 to 20 per cent of the population at any one time,’ WA Health stated.
‘Very rarely, the bacteria invade the bloodstream or tissues and cause serious infections.
Common symptoms include a high fever, a distinctive red-purple rash that doesn't fade under pressure, severe headache, vomiting, and confusion.
Antibiotics are used to treat the illness, and while the majority of individuals will recuperate, approximately five to ten per cent of diagnosed cases will result in death, as reported by the health department.
‘About 15 per cent may experience long-term complications such as hearing loss, limb amputations or brain damage,’ the department said.
There are 13 distinct strains of the disease, and vaccines are accessible to safeguard against prevalent disease-causing strains such as A, B, C, W, and Y.
Free vaccines are provided for strains A, C, W, and Y through the National Immunisation Program.
Eligible recipients include children at 12 months of age, year 10 students, and unvaccinated individuals under 20 years old.
Additionally, in Western Australia, where Aboriginal children have a higher incidence rate of meningococcal disease, free vaccination is extended to Aboriginal children aged six weeks to 12 months.
Free immunisation for the meningococcal B strain is also accessible, primarily for at-risk groups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children up to two years old and individuals with specific medical conditions.
