A household emergency plan outlining the fastest way to get medical help should someone be at risk of meningococcal disease can make all the difference, a Wairarapa health expert says.
"It's quite easy to get to a doctor between eight and five [o'clock], but if it's two in the morning or if English isn't your first language then it's quite difficult," Wellington Region Medical Officer of Health Annette Nesdale said.
Her comments follow the tragic death of Wellington school girl Amanda Crook-Barker from the disease earlier this week.
The 12-year-old, who died on Monday evening after falling ill that afternoon, is the third fatal meningococcal case this year.
In 2011, the Wairarapa region was put on alert after an outbreak of five cases involving children and young people in Wellington and the Hutt Valley.
In the past five years, there have been six reported cases in the Wairarapa alone, none of which were fatal, Dr Nesdale said.
The disease, which mainly affects infants and teenagers aged 15 years to 19 years, is caused by bacteria spread through spit.
Thirty-eight cases of meningococcal disease have been reported nationally between January 1 and July 31, according to Environmental Science and Research figures. None of this year's cases were in the Wairarapa.
Dr Nesdale said being aware of the symptoms, many of which were similar to the common flu, was also important as people infected with the bacteria could deteriorate rapidly.
Those who survive are sometimes left with disabilities as amputation of a limb can be necessary. Dr Helen Petousis-Harris of the Immunisation Advisory Centre recommended everyone vaccinate against the disease, especially those in the high-risk age groups.
There were two main types of vaccines available in New Zealand which could be bought from GPs. Both protect against the most prevalent strain C of the disease, which accounts for about 50 per cent of cases.
The most effective of the pair, conjugate vaccines, can be administered in infants at any age and works for about 10 years.
But at a cost of more than $100, it is often an expense many Kiwi parents struggle to afford.
From 2004 to 2008, an outbreak of Meningococcal B saw the MeNZB vaccine added to New Zealand's immunisation schedule for a short period. It has since been removed as the B strain does not pose a major threat.
Dr Petousis-Harris warned that none of the vaccines provided full protection from meningococcal disease.
The polysaccharide vaccines, which cost around $30, last for about four years and only work in infants over the age of two.
It was important people immunise their children as early as possible, then consider a booster shot during their teenage years, Dr Petousis-Harris said.
"You tend to see infants becoming susceptible after six months. [They] are really vulnerable because at that time they haven't started making their own protection against diseases," she said.
Symptoms:
Babies: Refusal of feeds, floppiness, vomiting.
Children and adults: Fever, confusion, stiff neck and the appearance of a rash.
Seek help as soon as you think something is wrong.
Ministry of Health Helpline: 0800 611 116
For more information: www.meningitis.org.nz/