Boy, 4, latest to contract killer bug

File photo / NZ Herald

A four-year-old Northland child has been hospitalised with meningococcal disease, the thirteenth case in the region since July.

Northland District Health Board medical officer of health Dr Clair Mills said the child was admitted to the hospital on November 15, but his current condition is comfortable and improving.

Dr Mills said the case is the thirteenth in Northland since July, nine of which have been the group C strain.

"We are waiting to hear from the national laboratory about what type this child has," she said.

"This latest case shows the disease is still around in our community.

"Meningococcal disease can be rapidly life-threatening, and we ask that Northlanders remain very vigilant. The disease can occur at any age, most commonly in children under the age of five years and teenagers.

"Disease symptoms in babies and young children may include fever, irritability, sleepiness, floppiness, being hard to wake, refusing drink or food, vomiting and a rash. Older children and adults can have similar symptoms and may also have a stiff neck, headache and muscle aches, and sensitivity to light."

"Anyone with some of these symptoms should seek medical attention without delay as early treatment is very important," says Dr Mills.

So far more than 21,000 children and young people have been vaccinated in the Northland DHB's free meningococcal C vaccination programme, which aims to vaccinate 85 per cent of the 44,000 Northlanders aged 12 months to up to 20 years of age.

Dr Mills said meningococcal disease can be difficult to diagnose and anyone with symptoms should seek medical attention without delay, as early treatment is very important.

"If, despite earlier treatment, your condition deteriorates, don't hesitate to seek medical attention again."