Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious illness that usually affects babies and young children, adolescents and young adults. People with the disease can become extremely unwell very quickly. Winter and spring are the peak seasons for meningococcal disease in NSW.

Signs and symptoms of Meningococcal disease:

• Sudden onset of fever
• Pin-prick rash changing to large red-purple blotches
• Cold hands and feet
• Sore joints and muscles
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Neck stiffness
• Dislike of bright lights
• Tiredness

A rash does not always appear and not all of the symptoms of meningococcal disease may be present at once.

If these signs or symptoms occur, immediate medical care should be sought.

The ideal time to communicate information about meningococcal disease to parents, staff and students is in June or July, just before the annual peak of meningococcal disease that is normally seen in NSW in late winter to spring. An annual item in the school's newsletter around this time each year can help to reinforce important messages.

Communicable disease information for parents, teachers and childcare workers on meningococcal disease from NSW Health provides text for including in school newsletters.

A more detailed fact sheet is available. The fact sheet is also translated.

It is recommended that principals contact the local public health unit about any outbreak of meningococcal disease at their school.

A successful school-based meningococcal C vaccination program was held in NSW between 2003 and 2005 and the vaccine is now included on the National Immunisation Program Schedule for children at 12 months of age.

This vaccine protects against meningococcal C but not against other strains of the disease. Therefore it is important to look out for symptoms of meningococcal disease and to seek immediate medical help if these occur, even after immunisation.

Free meningococcal vaccine is still available from NSW general practitioners for those students who missed out on the school-based program.

Schools and parents should contact their local public health unit for further information on meningococcal disease.