Meningococcal disease can affect people of any age. It can make you very unwell very quickly and can be fatal. If you notice symptoms, see a doctor urgently – don’t wait for the rash.
Symptoms may include:
• sudden and high fever
• lethargy, drowsiness or confusion
• headache
• stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulders, back and other muscles
• dislike of bright lights
• nausea and vomiting
• a red-purple rash that doesn’t disappear when pressure is applied
In young children, symptoms may also include:
• irritability
• difficulty waking up
• high-pitched crying
• rapid or laboured breathing
• refusal to eat
If symptoms rapidly worsen, or if your child is very unwell, call 000 or go straight to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Find out more: health.nsw.gov.au/infectious/meningococcal
NSW Health issued a press release yesterday urging the community to be alert for the symptoms of meningococcal disease and act immediately if they appear after the notification of three recent cases: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20230604_00.aspx