Things parents and students should be aware of this school holiday season regarding meningococcal disease

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Social activities are anticipated to peak during school breaks as students put down their books and focus on spending time with friends and extended families. During the fall school break, families should review the warning signs and symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), according to experts. Although IMD cases can arise at any time of year, they usually peak in the winter and early spring.IMD is an uncommon but potentially fatal bacterial infection that can develop abruptly and swiftly into a serious condition. Even though the majority of survivors live, up to 1 in 5 may experience long-term disabilities, such as nervous system issues, brain damage, deafness, and loss of limb.

Given the disease’s sudden nature, Dr Charlotte Hespe, GP and Professor of General Practice and Primary Care Research, Sydney School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame Australia, points out that knowledge around IMD signs and symptoms is important for all. Especially, as it is not fully understood why disease develops in some individuals but not in others.

"Although IMD is rare, approximately 10% of people can carry the bacteria without showing illness or symptoms. Adolescents and young adults typically have the highest rate of meningococcal carriage in the general population, and are thought to play an important role in transmitting the bacteria in the community,” says Dr Hespe.

“The bacteria is not spread easily from person to person. However, the risks of transmitting the bacteria can be increased if there is close and prolonged contact between individuals, which we may observe during school breaks as people spend free time together. So, it is critical that all Australians, especially young people and their families, educate themselves about the early signs and symptoms of IMD,” she says.

Meningococcal bacteria is spread by tiny drops of fluid from the nose and throat via coughing, sneezing and spluttering.8Early signs and symptoms can be difficult to diagnose as they may be similar to a flu-like illness. Symptoms of IMD may include sudden onset of fever, headache, neck stiffness, joint pain, rash of red-purple spots or bruises, dislike of bright lights and nausea and vomiting.5 The distinctive purple or red meningococcal rash is an advanced symptom of blood infection, which may or may not occur. Young children may have less-specific symptoms including irritability, difficulty waking, high-pitched crying and refusal to eat.

Anyone can develop IMD, but some people are at a higher risk than others. Living in close or prolonged contact with people who may be carrying the bacteria (e.g. university students living in residential colleges), can increase the risk of carrying the bacteria. Other risk factors include smoking or being exposed to smoke, having had a recent viral upper respiratory tract illness, and kissing (especially with more than one partner).

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At the end of March 2024, there have been 25* reported cases of IMD nationally, with almost half of the cases originating from NSW and VIC combined (5* and 5* respectively). Australia has observed increasing case numbers in recent years (127 in 2022 vs 143* in 2023).

Karen Quick, CEO of Meningitis Centre Australia, says that being equipped with IMD knowledge can potentially save a life as time is of the essence when it comes to minimising the potentially devastating consequences of this disease. 

"It is important for all Australians to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease, especially students aged 15-24, who are one of the most at-risk age groups," Ms Quick says. “While meningococcal disease can occur at any age, children less than 2 years of age, and adolescents and young adults aged 15–24 years are most at risk.”

“The autumn holidays are a good reminder for all Australians to practice good hygiene practices such as handwashing, coughing or sneezing into your elbow and discarding used tissues correctly, to help prevent the spread of germs.

If you think you or someone you know is showing the early signs of meningococcal disease, act immediately in seeking urgent medical attention,” said Ms Quick.

For more information about meningococcal, and how you can help protect yourself or your family, speak to your healthcare professional and visit

https://knowmeningococcal.com.au/

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