Boy has serious disease: doctor
Newcastle Herald
Friday March 25, 2011
A BOY is in a stable condition in a Hunter hospital with confirmed meningococcal disease.It is the second confirmed case in the Hunter New England Local Health Network this year.The latest incident follows 13 confirmed cases of meningococcal disease in the Hunter New England region in 2010.The health service said yesterday the boy's close contacts were contacted to receive prescribed clearance antibiotics.Public health physician Craig Dalton said seeking medical attention quickly might prevent serious complications.Meningococcal disease symptoms included fever, headache, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights, nausea and vomiting, a rash of reddish-purple spots or bruises, and drowsiness.Infection was spread through secretions from the nose and throat of a person who was carrying it and close and prolonged contact was needed to pass it on, Dr Dalton said.
© 2011 Newcastle Herald
