Danger lurks when teens share drinks

By MONIQUE DEVEREUX health reporter

The rate of one of New Zealand's deadliest diseases is growing among teenagers, prompting public health warnings about sharing drink bottles and cigarettes, and even kissing.

Meningococcal disease - which causes meningitis and blood poisoning - has already killed twice as many people around the country this year as it had at the same time last year.

This is the 11th year of New Zealand's meningococcal epidemic and it shows no sign of slowing. The Ministry of Health this week signed a contract to develop a vaccine, but even so the immunisation will be years away from being readily available.

So far this year there have been 296 recorded cases of meningococcal disease and 15 deaths. Of those, 128 were in the Auckland region, where five people have died.

The most recent Auckland victim is believed to be a woman in her early 20s, within the past two weeks.

Public health unit registrar Dr Robyn Whittaker said the most worrying statistic was the large number of teenagers contracting the disease.

Ten people between the ages of 11 and 14 have contracted the disease this year and 20 people aged between 15 and 19.

The teenage cases are spread right across Auckland, whereas the under-ones are mainly in South Auckland. In those cases, overcrowded living arrangements and poverty are thought to factor in the high number.

"It just highlights that this is not just a South Auckland problem for young children. These teenagers include white, middle-class kids. Everyone is susceptible and people need to be aware of the disease."

The meningococcal bug lurks in the throat and nose. Although there is no concrete research to prove how the disease is passed on, Dr Whittaker said it was reasonable to regard any kind of saliva contact as a risk.

That would include sharing drink bottles, food, lipsticks and cigarettes, as well as other "intimate mouth contact" like kissing.

Meningococcal symptoms include a fever, headache and vomiting. A rash may appear, but not necessarily. A young child with meningococcal disease may refuse drink or food, vomit and cry or be unsettled.

Last year there were 476 recorded cases nationwide and 18 deaths. In 1999 there were 505 cases and 23 deaths.