Health officials are investigating whether the 5-year-old latest victim of meningococcal disease in Northland has the same strain as other victims. File photo / Thinkstock
Health officials are waiting to see if a child diagnosed with meningococcal disease has the same strain that has killed three people in the region since July.
Northland medical officer of health Clair Mills said the 5-year-old boy was admitted to Whangarei Hospital with meningococcal disease on the evening of
October 7 and was in a stable condition.
Dr Mills said it was the 10th case in Northland since July.
"We are waiting to hear from the national laboratory whether [the latest case] is a Group C - as in the majority of cases this year in Northland - or another type of meningococcal disease,'' she said.
"It was fortunate the parents knew about meningococcal disease and they sought medical attention immediately. The disease can be rapidly life-threatening. The child was admitted to a ward and is doing well.''
