Caringbah Redbacks

Meningococcal Awareness

Last Updated on Friday, 30 July 2010 08:30

Sharing drink bottles has been identified as an area of high risk in relation to the transfer of saliva and the increased possibility of contracting meningococcal disease.

Seasonal conditions at this time of the year are also ideal for the spread of the bacteria and every caution should be taken to ensure that DRINK BOTTLES ARE NOT SHARED between players at any time.

Here's some information care of the South Eastern Sydney Illawarra, Public Health Unit in response to a local Caringbah school occurrence over the recent weeks.

Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacterial germ called meningococcus. About 10% of healthy adults and children carry the meningococcus germ in the nose and throat, usually without any problem. The bacteria are difficult to spread, however occasionally carriers may pass it onto others who have been in regular close contact with them. If exposed to the bacterium it may take up to ten days for the infection to develop.

Antibiotics are only recommended for close contacts, such as household members and others who have stayed overnight in the same residence, and not indicated for fellow students or staff members. The antibiotic does not treat the disease; it is given to clear the bacteria from the throat. Different antibiotics are required if symptoms develop.

The risk of other children at the school developing this infection is very small but it is important that if your child becomes unwell, you seek medical advise as soon as possible. Most people with meningococcal disease are successfully treated and make a full recovery; however it may cause serious infection, such as meningitis and septicaemia, and sometimes can be life threatening.

The symptoms of meningococcal disease to look out for include a combination of:

• Sudden onset of fever
• Sore joints and muscles
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Neck stiffness
• Dislike of bright lights
• Tiredness
• A pin-prick rash may appear anywhere on the skin and this can quickly change into a large red-purple blotches. Usually this rash does not disappear with light pressure on the skin. Sometimes a rash does not appear at all.
• Very early symptoms may include leg pain, cold hands and feet and abnormal skin colour

Young children may have more general symptoms that may include, irritability, drowsiness or difficulty waking, high-pitched or moaning cry, pale and blotchy skin, and refusing to eat.

Even if your child has had meningococcal vaccine you still need to look out for symptoms because the vaccine doesn't protect against all meningococcal strains.

Although the risk is very small, it is important that if your child becomes sick during the next month, you should take him/her to see your GP or casualty doctor with this in mind.

If you have any questions, please ring the Infectious Diseases Team at Public Health on 02 9382 8333 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 02 9382 8333 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Further information is also available on the NSW Health web site: www.health.nsw.gov.au/infect/diseases.html or more specifically www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/infectious/meningococcal.html