Nelson death 'probable' meningococcal disease

A 36-year-old Nelson man has died of what is believed to have been meningococcal disease.

A Nelson Hospital spokeswoman told NZPA the man was admitted to hospital yesterday afternoon and died last night.

The cause of death had not been established but the hospital said it was probable the man had meningococcal disease.

About 25 people known to have been in close contact with the man had been contacted by Nelson Hospital and preventative antibiotics had been given to those identified as most at risk.

- NZPA