Achi news desk-
One person has died and two others are hospitalized with meningococcal disease in Western Australia, health authorities have confirmed.
Three people were diagnosed with the rare and life-threatening disease – two with serogroup B and one with serogroup W.
“Unfortunately one adult has died, and the other two adults are recovering in hospital. The cases were unrelated,” WA Health said.
The death and diagnoses have prompted warnings for people to ensure they are vaccinated against the potentially fatal disease.
The three cases are the first in the country this year.
Last year, there were nine cases and no deaths
Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacterial infection of the blood or membranes and can spread rapidly, killing about five to 10 percent of people diagnosed.
Another 15 percent may experience long-term complications such as hearing loss, leg amputations, and brain damage.
However, the disease can be treated with antibiotics if immediate medical attention is sought and most people usually recover
“Meningococcal bacteria are carried harmlessly in the back of the nose and throat by around 10 to 20 per cent of the population at any one time,” WA Health said.
“Very rarely, the bacteria invade the bloodstream or tissues and cause serious infections.”
Symptoms include high fever, chills, headache, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, and severe muscle and joint pain.
In young children who may not complain of symptoms, parents can watch for fever, pale skin or spots, vomiting, fatigue, poor feeding, and rashes.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms is encouraged to seek medical attention immediately
