Disease claims another young life

A Northland baby has died in Whangarei Hospital of "probable" meningococcal disease, just 48 hours after falling ill.

Northland Medical Officer of Health Dr Clair Mills, who declined to state the child's age or where in Northland he/she was from, said meningococcal disease was a bacterial infection that caused two very serious illnesses, meningitis (an infection of the membranes that cover the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

"Meningococcal disease can kill very quickly," she said.

"In this case the baby died within 48 hours of becoming unwell and deteriorated very quickly. Tragically, despite the best attempts by hospital staff to save her life, the baby died."

This was the seventh case of meningococcal disease in Northland this year, but the first fatality. Dr Mills said the seven cases did not appear to be linked. The majority of the victims were under 2 years old, the others young adults.

Earlier this month Dr Mills said the Northland DHB was monitoring the situation following an increase in meningococcal disease, with six cases so far this year at that stage compared with three in 2014 and four in 2013.

"We want people to be aware it is still around," she said.

Almost all the patients had been admitted to Whangarei's Intensive Care Unit, some suffering neurological problems as a result of their illness.

An outbreak of meningococcal C disease claimed three lives in Northland in 2011, prompting the emergency vaccination of 32,410 children and youths. Between 2004 and 2006 a free MeNZB vaccination was offered to everyone under the age of 20 to protect against an epidemic of a specific strain of meningococcal B. The last phase of that programme, the immunisation of people with a high medical risk, ended in March 2011.

"Meningococcal disease can look like a viral flu or mild illness at the start, but can rapidly become life-threatening, especially in babies and young children," Dr Mills added.

"If your baby is unwell, please see a doctor and watch out for danger signs such as fever, vomiting, refusing to breast feed or fast breathing. Older children and adults may complain of headache, and have a fever and vomiting.

"The tell-tale purplish rash may not present until very late in the illness, so don't wait if you are concerned."

Meningococcal disease could be difficult to diagnose because it could look like other illnesses, such as the flu. It had a range of general symptoms, including a high fever, headache, sleepiness, joint and muscle pain. There could also be more specific symptoms, such as a stiff neck, a dislike of bright lights, vomiting, crying, refusal to feed (in infants) and a rash consisting of reddish-purple pin-prick spots or bruises.

"If you or anyone in your family has these symptoms, call your doctor straight away," Dr Mills said.

"You can also call Healthline free on 0800 611-116, 24 hours a day, even if you have already been seen by a health professional. If you have seen a doctor and gone home, but are still concerned, don't hesitate to call your doctor again or seek further medical advice."