A baby has died from suspected meningococcal disease in Northland within 48 hours of becoming unwell, prompting a call from health officials for people to seek medical advice if they or their children exhibit signs of the disease.
Northland Medical Officer of Health Clair Mills said the death on Thursdaywas the seventh case of meningococcal disease in Northland this year - compared with three in 2014 and four in 2013 - and the only one to be fatal. There does not appear to be any links among the cases, with over half being in infants under two years and the others in young adults.
Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that causes two serious illnesses: meningitis, an infection of the membranes that cover the brain, and septicaemia - blood poisoning.
"Meningococcal disease can kill very quickly. In this case, the baby died within 48 hours of becoming unwell and deteriorated very quickly. Tragically, despite the best attempts by hospital staff to save her life, the baby died," Dr Mills said.
"Meningococcal disease can look like a viral flu or mild illness at the start, but can be rapidly life threatening, especially in babies and young children. If your baby is unwell, please see a doctor and watch out for danger signs such as fever, vomiting, refusing to breast feed, fast breathing.
"In older children and adults, they may complain of headache, and have a fever and vomiting. The tell-tale purplish rash may not present until very late in the illness so don't wait if you are concerned."
In 2011 an outbreak of meningococcal C disease claimed three lives in Northland, prompting the emergency vaccination of 32,410 children and youths. During 2011 nine of the 13 cases of meningococcal disease were group C, the rest group B.
Meningococcal disease can be difficult to diagnose because it can look like other illnesses, such as the flu, with a high fever, headache, sleepiness, and joint and muscle pains.
More specific symptoms can arise, such as a stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, vomiting, crying, refusal to feed (in infants) and a rash of reddish-purple pin-prick spots or bruises. If anyone has those symptoms a doctor should be called straight away. Healthline can also be called free 24 hours a day on 0800 611 116.
