Meningococcal disease may initially appear as a flu-like illness, but could progress very quickly.
"It can be difficult to diagnose because it can look like other illnesses," Dr Ortega said.
"It spreads through close intimate contact with other people. Those who live and sleep in the same house as someone with meningococcal disease are most at risk.
"The key message is, if your child or family member is sick take them to the doctor.
It was important to know the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease because it could develop very quickly, he added. It could be treated with antibiotics, but early treatment was very important.
Vaccines that protected against different groups of meningococcal disease (A, C, Y and W) were not free for the general public, but were available for purchase at general practices if people wanted them.
Anyone who noticed symptoms of meningococcal disease, or had any other concerns, was advised to contact their doctor without delay, or call Healthline free on 0800 611-116 (24/7), even if they had already been seen by a health professional.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease can include high temperature, headache, confusion and sleepiness, joint pain, aching muscles and/or neck stiffness, a dislike of bright lights, nausea or vomiting, and a red or purple skin rash.
In its early stages it may mimic influenza, while the MenW strain that is currently causing concern in Northland may also present gastro-intestinal symptoms.