Meningococcal cases link unlikely

By MARTIN JOHNSTON

The two cases of meningococcal disease on Waiheke Island in the past two months appear to be unconnected.

Baby Charlotte Cleverley-Bisman contracted the life-threatening disease in June. She survived, but has had much of her arms and legs amputated.

Charlotte, now aged 8 months, remains in hospital, but is expected to be shifted to a North Shore rehabilitation centre next week.

Last month, 49-year-old Robyn Bailey caught the bug. After a week in Auckland Hospital she is recovering at home.

Dr Craig Thornley, of the Auckland Public Health Service, said yesterday that two cases of meningococcal disease on Waiheke had been notified this year.

"We're confident at this point that there is no obvious connection between them."