A teenager has died after contracting a meningococcal infection, just days after a music festival warned its attendees of a potential outbreak.
NSW Health made the announcement on Monday. The woman is the third person to die due to the disease in NSW this year.
Her death comes just days after Spilt Milk music festival issued a warning on Saturday that an infected person attended the festival on November 26, was currently in Canberra Hospital.
It is not known if the deceased teen attended the festival.
Meningococcal disease is a rare, but serious and sometimes fatal infection.
Parents and young people are being urged to stay alert to the symptoms of meningococcal disease and act immediately if they appear.
So far this year, there have been 29 cases of meningococcal disease reported in NSW.
The majority of cases have been due to meningococcal B strain of the infection.
Executive Director of Health Protection NSW Dr Jeremy McAnulty said early intervention can be lifesaving.
“Meningococcal disease symptoms can appear suddenly and become very serious very quickly,” he said.
“I urge everyone not to discount symptoms when they appear or assume it may be just a mild infection.
“If you suspect meningococcal disease, don’t wait for the rash – see a doctor immediately.”
Meningococcal disease can be fatal within hours if left untreated and knowing the symptoms can help prevent premature death or life-long disability.
Meningococcal symptoms
- Severe, unexplained limb pain
- Difficulty waking up
- High pitched crying in babies
- Severe headache
- Upset by bright lights
- Stiff neck
- Red-purple rash which doesn’t disappear when pressed with a glass
If symptoms rapidly worsen, or if your child is very unwell, Dr McAnulty said to call Triple Zero (000) or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Meningococcal disease is now uncommon thanks to vaccination but still occurs year round with increased during late winter and early spring.
Despite widespread vaccination, different strains of the infection are vaccine resistant.
Children under five and aged 15 to 25 are at the greatest risk of contracting the disease.
NSW Health is advising that parents check their children are up to date with vaccinations.
Babies can receive the Meningococcal B vaccine from six weeks of age and the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine at 12 months.